Kilmarnock are interested in signing Wigan centre half Alex Bruce who is free to leave the Lancashire club during the winter transfer window according to respected journalist Alan Nixon.
KILMARNOCK. Looking into a deal for Alex Bruce. WIGAN will let him go.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 23, 2019
Neil Lennon’s comments in relation to Ryan Porteous’ injury at Fir Park suggest the promising defender is likely to be ruled out for a lengthy period and having already lost the influential figure of Efe Ambrose Hibs are short of cover in the central area with only midfielder cum defenders Marvin Bartley and Mark Milligan able to cover for either Paul Hanlon or Darren McGregor should they be ruled out through injury or suspension.
Both have missed chunks of the season already so signing another centre half is certain to be on Lennon’s shopping list prior to the window “slamming” shut in a week’s time given the uncertainty of Milligan’s return following Australia’s progress in the ridiculously scheduled Asian Gold Cup.
If Bruce is available on a free and willing to move to Scotland it would be remiss of the Hibs manager not to try to gazump Killie boss Steve Clarke and tempt the player, uniquely capped by both the Republic and Northern Irish, to Edinburgh.
Surely if he is accepting of a salary within Kilmarnock’s budget, Hibs can better any offer from the Ayrshire side alongside the chance to stay in the famous capital city.
With more than 300 appearances at a good level down south Bruce could provide vital experience and leadership to a side which has hit the buffers in their previous few Premiership matches.
