Johnson wants ‘ leader’ as Melkersen seals loan
LEE JOHNSON is hopeful of bolstering his Hibernian side with a “leader” in time for Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with rivals Hearts after continuing his January overhaul with the loan departure of Elias Melkersen.
Melkersen could land the Easter Road side a bumper seven- figure transfer fee if his temporary witch to Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands is a success and is made permanent.
The Eredivisie outfit have an option at the end of the season to purchase the young Norwegian striker, who joined Hibs in January last year from Bodo/ Glimt but has scored just three times in 29 appearances.
With Hibs having spent a reported six- figure sum on recruiting the now 20- year- old, the possibility of earning over £ 1m just 18 months later would prove an attractive prospect.
Melkersen joins Kevin Dabrowski, Steven Bradley, Joao Balde and Jack Brydon in departing the club this month and Bristol Rovers have become the latest linked with a possible move for midfielder Jake DoyleHayes, whose proposed move to Forest Green Rovers fell through last week.
With the potential to receive a substantial six- figure sum for Ryan Porteous, who is attracting interest from south of the border and the continent as he approaches the final few months of his contract, Johnson is seeking quality this month to replace the players deemed surplus to requirements.
He said: “We need some organisation. We’re looking to bring a leader to the camp, where possible.
“That’s not always easy because they’re not cheap and they’re not always easy to get. But it’s certainly something we’re looking to do.
“And you hope that strength of voice from the back- line helps.
“We’re trying. You’ve seen a fair few outs now and that’s hopefully freed up a little bit of the budget to be able to go and move. But it’s not easy in January, it’s not an easy window, and obviously we want to go and bring in quality and not just quantity.
“We are certainly active and I’m very clear in my mind as to what I would like, defensively and offensively.”