Bristol City academy director Brian Tinnion has hit back at Lee Johnson's “best pathway” claim as Hibs close in on Reuben McAllister.
Son of Easter Road assistant Jamie McAllister, the 16-year-old provisionally agreed to join the Hibees on a three-year deal last week as they add to their youth ranks ahead of the new season. It’s thought the deal could be worth as much as £250,000 with a sell-on fee included.
Johnson admitted they aren’t quite over the line yet, but insisted Leith was the best place for McAllister if he wants to realise his first team ambitions. He said: "It's probably going to happen but it's not definite, it's not done. We wouldn't have had the opportunity had Jamie (McAllister) and myself not been here. We believe it's the best pathway for him. He's a top young player but at the same time we've got a lot of respect for Bristol City – it's a family thing, we're not raiding them for their best players.”
However, City’s academy chief Tinnion has queried Johnson’s claim, citing several examples of young Robins of past and present starlets who have made an impact with the Robins. Posting on social media alongside a sceptical eyes emoji: "Kelly, Semenyo, Scott, Oleary, Pring, Vyner, Bell, Conway, Towler, Benarous and lots more to come, best pathway."
Celtic and Rangers had both been credited with an interest in McAllister. Several English Premier League clubs were also sniffing around, with Newcastle, Aston Villa, Leicester and Brighton all monitoring his progress.
But he’s set to make the switch to Scotland where dad Jamie lifted silverware, He was part of the Livingston side that defeated Hibs in the 2004 League Cup final at Hampden before going on to sign for city rivals Hearts.
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