Hibs KO £2m Boyle offer
HIBS have knocked back a £2million bid for Martin Boyle from persistent suitors AlFaisaly, denying their star winger permission to speak to the Saudi club. As Shaun Maloney strengthened his squad last night, stating the ‘aggression and speed’ of former Belgium Under-21 centre-half Rocky Bushiri will make him a good fit for the Premiership, it emerged that Al-Faisaly had failed in a second attempt to land Boyle. The Socceroos star remains on the radar of the Saudi giants, reputedly ready to offer him a £1m-a-season salary, and has been linked with Celtic, as well as a number of clubs down south. Hibs did confirm the signing of 22-year-old Norwich prospect Bushiri, though. They have taken the 6ft 2in defender on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent — on terms already agreed — in the summer. New head coach Maloney is eager to start working with Bushiri, who failed to break through at Carrow Road after showing enormous early promise with first club Oostende — where he became their youngestever debutant. Speaking about a new arrival who has spent the past twoand-a-half seasons being loaned out to various sides, Maloney said: ‘Rocky is a talented young player who will offer us real versatility in different defensive positions. ‘Technically, he is very good in possession, and he shows good aggression and speed in defensive actions. ‘Along with all the staff, I am really looking forward to working with him and helping him adapt to a new league and our style of play.’