(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Hibernian look set to keep Australian international Martin Boyle at Easter Road after reportedly rejecting a £2.25million offer for the Socceroo.
According to the Daily Record, Hibees owner Ron Gordon knocked back the bid from Saudi side Al Faisaly, with Boyle set to pocket as much as £30,000 in the Middle-East, as the American looks to keep his side’s best players in Scotland.
Boyle was said to be keen on speaking to the Saudis over a potential move but is reported to “respect” Hibs’ decision to reject Al Faisaly’s offer.
The Easter Road star is a hugely important player for Shaun Maloney’s side and his loss would be a big blow to the new Hibs boss’ plans – although he would likely have been handed some cash to spend in the transfer window to replace the Aussie.
The Saudi’s are now turning their attention elsewhere after appearing to admit defeat in the chase to sign Boyle but they could yet return closer to the deadline and make a renewed bid for the Hibs star.
With the Cabbage back in action on Monday night when they face Celtic, Maloney will be hoping the chance to work with his players over the winter break will have helped them get to grip with how the former Belgium assistant manager wants to play.
Hibs have already added Harry Clarke and Rocky Bushiri over the winter break while American striker Chris Mueller completed his move to Easter Road from Orlando City.
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