Hibernian do not want to sell reported Celtic target John McGinn but they may be a little more receptive to offers if Shaun Maloney arrives.
With Hibernian hoping to make a splash on their long-awaited return to the Scottish Premiership next season, they cannot afford to lose any of their key players.
Yet, while Celtic loanee Efe Ambrose appears to have his heart set on earning a permanent move to Easter Road, the futures of talismanic striker Jason Cummings and creative midfielder John McGinn are far less certain.
The Daily Record reported earlier this week that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is plotting a £1.5 million move for 22-year-old McGinn, who is yet to sign a contract extension with the second tier champions.
Rodgers is a confirmed admirer, telling the Scottish Sun recently that the former St Mirren youngster is ‘the type of player you love as a manager’.
And reports in the Scottish Sun that Hibs boss Neil Lennon (below) is targeting a reunion with his former Celtic team-mate Shaun Maloney will only intensify speculation that the club may be on the lookout for replacements.
The 34-year-old is out-of-favour and out-of-contract at Hull City and it appears that his excellent relationship with Lennon could give Hibs the edge over fellow suitors Aberdeen.
And Maloney could be an astute replacement if the Championship Player of the Year does indeed migrate from Edinburgh to Glasgow this summer.
Lennon claimed recently that McGinn’s value had skyrocketed after an excellent season, though added that the club may be coerced to sell if a much larger offer was made, the Scottish Sun adds.
Therefore, perhaps this is the ideal time for Celtic to test Hibs’ resolve again – albeit with a much larger bid.
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