Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Hibs are digging in to get the ‘right price’ for talisman Boyle
HIBERNIAN manager Shaun Maloney has told Martin Boyle he will be allowed to leave only if any interested parties meet the club’s valuation of him.
The 28-year-old Australia forward has had his head turned by strong interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Faisaly, who are understood to be willing to hand him a lucrative two-year contract worth in the region of £20,000 per week.
However, Hibs, who value their talisman at £3 million, have rebuffed the Pro League club’s offers so far.
Maloney understands Boyle’s desire to capitalise on the life-changing salary that would come with moving to the Middle East but he is adamant it can only be allowed to happen if Hibs receive a bid they are happy with.
Maloney said: “I’m very keen for Martin to stay. At the moment, myself, Martin and the club are very clear on the situation; there’s clarity on that.
“There’s obviously been interest but we have a valuation and until that valuation is met, there is no real decision to make.
“I understand the player’s situation but we’ve spoken a lot over the last few days so we’re really, really clear. I think we’ve both got clarity on it.
“Until there’s a situation where we have to make a decision on it, it’s very much a case of concentrating on training and the next match. If there does need to be a decision, then that will happen. Martin’s trained extremely well and he’s looking forward to Monday’s match (away to Celtic).”
Hibs have been busy in the January window, adding Ewan Henderson, Elias Melkersen, Rocky Bushiri and Harry Clarke to their squad, along with Chris Mueller, who agreed a pre-contract last summer.