‘This is how much Hibernian should sell Kieron Bowie for’ amid Rangers-Celtic transfer battle
Hibernian and David Gray are at serious risk of losing Kieron Bowie to Scottish Premiership rivals during the winter transfer window.
European clubs have joined the race to sign Bowie, who has notched an impressive eight goals and three assists in 21 league matches, firing Hibs clear of the relegation zone.
And speaking to Football Insider, Keith Wyness believes that Rangers are the leaders to sign the Hibernian star, just 18 months on from his arrival from Fulham.
The 23-year-old spent two seasons on loan at Northampton Town, where he totalled up 14 goals and eight assists, but already, a multitude of clubs are ready to spend big on the centre-forward.
Unsurprisingly, Football Insider understands that Hibernian are expecting offers for Bowie, but it might take a club-record fee to secure his signature at Easter Road.
Rangers and Celtic told to bid £5million for Kieron Bowie
Speaking to PLZ Soccer (22 January), Tam McManus said: “If someone comes in and offers £5million Kieron Bowie, you have to sell him. It would be a record transfer for Hibs, with Scott Brown at £4.5million.
“I think Kieron’s a really good striker, with lots of upside, he’s still young, and he’s got great attributes, but in terms of that cash… Hibs, unfortunately, are a club that has been running at a loss.
“If you can get that kind of fee for somebody like that, you take it,” and the clubs interested surely have that kind of money to spend on the talent’s signature.
McManus is right about Brown being the club’s record signing, with Steven Fletcher in second, shortly followed by Martin Boyle, Josh Doig, and then John McGinn, who has become a huge name at Aston Villa.
Which manager should go all-out for the Hibernian star?
Both teams are aiming to pip Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title, so signing a goal-hungry centre-forward could be the difference between silverware and a disappointing campaign.
At Ibrox, Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski, and Danilo are all fighting over the striker spot, and the trio now have the creative force of Andreas Skov Olsen to help them in the final third.
At Celtic Park, on the other hand, have a multitude of options across attack, but Kelechi Iheanacho, Johnny Kenny, and Daizen Maeda are all lacking the cutting edge this season.
In short, either squad would be instantly improved by the 23-year-old striker, but Hibs will know that, and they should not settle for any less than he’s worth if he is to leave before the window shuts.
The Gers and Hoops, for far too long, have taken advantage of the clubs around them in Scotland, but now, Hearts are pushing for their first league title since the 1959-60 season.