Hibs open talks with Boyle over extending stay at club
Jack Ross has revealed that Hibs have begun the process of offering winger Martin Boyle a new deal to keep him at Easter Road beyond next summer.
The Australian internationalist’s contract with the capital club expires at the end of the 2020/21 campaign and so far he has been coy about his future amid reported interest from clubs in England.
However, the Hibs head coach is keen to extend the attacker’s stay at the club.
Speaking ahead of the home match with Motherwell today, Ross said: “At the moment we are in discussions with Martin and his representatives about trying to put something in front of him that would enable him to stay at the club.
“It’s good we are in the process of doing that; how it will unfold I obviously couldn’t say. But I think it’s important wedoourbesttoofferhimthe best possible deal we can.
“The advantage we have is he very much enjoys it here – that’s a good starting point – but he’s at a critical stage of his career, and has important decisions to make. But it’s nice we’re in a situation where we are having those discussions.”
Ross confirmed earlier this week that he was hopeful of sorting out new contracts for midfield pair Joe Newell and Daryl Horgan, who are also in the last year of their contracts, while Israeli international goalkeeper Ofir Marciano is another key player whose current deal is nearing an end.
Long-serving defender Lewis Stevenson and rightback Paul Mcginn are also in the final 12 months of their Easter Road contracts and Ross, pictured, is mindful of the fact that the coronavirus pandemic and resulting financial implications has added an extra layer of complexity to the matter.
He continued: “We have a happy camp here and there are a lot of boys enjoying their football.
“I think there has probably been less haste from a lot of them because they have understood the situation and the challenges people face.
“I would imagine if we can continue moving in a positive direction as an industry and as a society these conversations will be forthcoming towards the turn of the year.
“As a club it has probably bought us a little more time than we would normally have because there’s an understanding of the climate.”
Ross accepts that Hibs’ strong start to the season is no bad thing in helping to convince players to stick around for a bit longer at the club.
“I think players always want to be part of something that is successful but we haven’t achieved anything yet. All we have done is have a good start to the season,” he added.
“But we felt during the last few months before lockdown we were decent, and the players who have been with us the whole time have enjoyed it and feel as if they are contributing and I would imagine, in the main, would like to stay.
“But there are always other factors to take into consideration whether or not a player stays at a club.”
Ross also addressed the capital club’s attempts to sign Rossmccroriefromrangers.
Hibs remain keen on the player and are weighing up their options after having a bid for the Scotland Under-21 captain rejected earlier this week.
Ross said: “I know Steven Gerrard spoke on Friday morning and gave an update on where things were at, and I believe that’s where it’s still at.
“I would prefer not to speak too much about Ross because until anything is concluded, he is still Steven’s player and he’s still at Rangers.”
Martin Boyle, left, jokes with John Potter in training ahead of today’s clash with Motherwell.