Hibs are eyeing up a cheap deal for Swindon Town forward Harry McKirdy - as Ethan Laidlaw's senior chances are talked up.
The Daily Record report that boss Lee Johnson has entered into talks over the attacker who was recently handed a three-match ban and a £1500 fine after he was sent off against Salford City earlier this month. He is aware he needs to bolster his squad before September 1st's deadline day after a busy few months of revamping the Easter Road playing group.
McKirdy scored an impressive 23 goals with 10 assists last season primarily playing as a centre forward and right winger. He's in the final year of his contract 'so could be available for a cut-price fee.' Hibs hero Tam McManus has been critical of the club's transfer approach this summer and reckons Johnson should be looking to bring through Laidlaw into senior contention after hitting the goals at youth level, attracting big name interest from down south.
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READ MORE: Lee Johnson outlines quiet Hibs transfer plans after failing 'miserably' in St Mirren defeat
He wrote in his Daily Record column: "Since the beginning of January I counted 19 players have been signed and only one is an upgrade. David Marshall. I’m not counting Martin Boyle as he was already there at the beginning of January.
"And that brings me on to another major issue. The lack of goals. Christian Doidge hasn’t scored in the Premiership since August 8 last year. HIs hat-trick against Clyde in the cup was his only goals in his last 29 games.
"Ellie Youan has not scored in 2022 - 14 league games going back to his time in Switzerland. Even Ewan Henderson - one goal in 21 games for Hibs since he signed.
"Yet you have Ethan Laidlaw who has scored for the U18s, the B team and the development squad this season. But he hasn’t had a sniff of the top team. Why is he not getting an opportunity? Why are Hibs not throwing in their own talent?
"I’ve seen Laidlaw playing and as a fellow striker I’m impressed. He is quick, has good movement and can clearly find the net. He might only be 17 but he works hard and the Hibs fans are desperate for a young striker from their own academy to step up."
READ MORE:
- Hibs striker Christian Doidge admits he is 'so confused' over talk of transfer
- Lee Johnson outlines quiet Hibs transfer plans after failing 'miserably' in St Mirren defeat
- Three things we learned as Hibs falter at St Mirren with star suffering long term injury blow
- Hearts player showered with chips as fans hurl objects during Edinburgh derby
