Ross dismisses notion of cut-price deal for Boyle

Jack Ross has described suggestions Hibs are ready to accept a cut-price deal to sell Martin Boyle as “nonsense” as he issued an emphatic hands-off warning to Celtic.

It was mooted this week that the capital club would be willing to green-light a £1.5 million deal for the former Dundee and Montrose striker, with the Hoops understood to be among several suitors.

The Bhoys’ head of football operations Nick Hammond was in attendance at Easter Road to watch Boyle notch two assists in a 2-1 win against Hamilton on Wednesday evening, while Neil Lennon is a huge admirer of the player from their time working together in Leith.

However, while Ross was unwilling to put a price-tag on Boyle, it was clear that the mooted figure would not be enough to prise him away this month.

The 26-year-old has 18 months left on his current contract, is a full internationalist and it is understood Hibs would be looking for a fee closer to the £3m mark.

“That (valuation) is nonsense and it hasn’t come from Hibs,” bristled Ross.

“As far as I’m concerned, that should not worry anyone that supports the club.

“We’ve no interest in selling Martin and have not put any sort of value on him.

“There has been absolutely no contact regarding Martin. This has grown arms and legs over the last 10 days and it’s pure speculation.”

Ross takes his charges to Fir Park to face high-flying Motherwell today.

Christopher Long and Jermaine Hylton are struggling to make the clash, with Austrian winger Chrstian Ilic likely to be involved again after impressing on making his first appearance for 16 weeks during Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Aberdeen.