We take a look at some of the players who could be on the move from Easter Road this January.
Nearly a fortnight into the January transfer window and it’s fair to say it’s been less than hectic on the comings and goings front at Easter Road or Scottish Football in general to be fair.
It’s widely acknowledged Neil Lennon has one of the largest playing squads in the SPFL at his disposal so here at Vital Football we’ll take a look at some of the players he could look to move on in a bid to free up some funds:
Scott Martin
Young midfielder who performed admirably when called upon in the absence of John McGinn and Fraser Fyvie when the duo were out injured.
He spent time on loan at Forfar Athletic last season and a similar arrangement with a Championship club would aid the development of a promising talent.
Martin turns 20 this April and with first team prospects limited at Easter Road a short term move away could be the answer for him to gain more playing experience.
Sam Stanton
Stanton is one of they players most Hibs fans would love to succeed at the club having burst onto the scene in the grim Terry Butcher times but unfortunately has never progressed and looks unlikely to ever make the grade.
Having spent last season on loan at Livingston, he’s currently helping Dumbarton to steer clear of the relegation and play-off spots on another loan deal amid rumours they’d be keen to make the deal permanent and it’s unlikely Hibs would stand in his way.
Latest post on the Forum: January Transfer Thread
Grant Holt
The veteran Englishman was snapped up by Neil Lennon in the summer after impressing on trial and was seen as the perfect physical presence Hibs had been lacking up top during their previous two seasons in the Championship however it’s fair to say his stay can only be described as average thus far.
No one can fault his work ethic but strikers are judged on their goal return and big Grant has only 3 in 14 appearances which isn’t really a satisfactory return for the wage he’ll be drawing.
He’s lost his starting place in recent matches and that mixed in with long commutes to Norfolk at least once a week could see him out the exit door if a suitor could be found nearer to home.
Danny Handling
Another relatively promising talent who’s failed to shine under successive managers albeit being hampered by injury for long spells during his time at the club.
Handling turns 23 next month and has made only 72 appearances for Hibs with 32 of them coming from the bench.
Still not 100% fit any deal in January is likely to be a loan with the aim to move him on in the summer.
Jordan Forster
Although the big defender signed a new 2 year deal after Neil Lennon was appointed he’s bound to be frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities this season.
A big strong presence who at 23 really needs to be playing first team football and having spent time with Plymouth Argyle on loan last season a short term move down south or to a Scottish Premiership struggler would make sense.
Would likely be allowed to move permanently for a nominal fee or possibly even free.
Alex Harris
Another starlet who’s ended up regressing from the early form he showed when breaking into the first team and now finds himself a bit part player at the club whose chances will be further restricted by the arrival of Chris Humphrey.
He’s one of the more likely to depart and rumour has it there’s a couple of Scottish Premiership teams keen in Hamilton and Inverness Caley.
Otso Virtanen
Finnish under 21 keeper best remembered for his howler in the Europa League home tie against Brondby currently finds himself welldown the pecking order and is firmly No.3 at Easter Road behind ‘Rocky’ Marciano and Ross Laidlaw.
A possibility he could move on loan somewhere but a permanent move elsewhere may be a better option for both parties.
Hopefully if anyone moves out this month it’ll be one of those listed above and while the likes of Callum Crane could also move on loan it’s imperative the backbone of the side such as McGinn, Cummings and McGregor aren’t lured away as winning the title is the only priority this season.
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