Lee Johnson says he is interested in sealing a Hibs homecoming for Martin Boyle.
The Australian international left leith last January in a £3million deal that took him to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Faisaly. But things haven’t gone well for Boyle since moving to the Gulf as his new club were relegated from the top flight. That’s triggered a wage reduction for the ex-Montrose and Dundee man, who is understood to be keen on a return to Scotland after just seven months in the Middle East.
Johnson wants to add another forward player to his new-look Hibees squad after Aiden McGeady’s injury. The former Celtic star reunited with his old Sunderland gaffer in the summer, but has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks after aggravating a medial ligament issue. Now Johnson is on the hunt for an extra body to help soften the blow ahead of Sunday's Edinburgh derby against Hearts.
Boyle would be a popular addition with fans. He led the club;s scoring charts last season despite leaving half-way through, and stayed there as Shaun Maloney struggled to get results before being sacked in April.
Owner Ron Gordon is thought to have spoken to Boyle about coming back to the club where he won the Scottish Cup in 2016. But Aberdeen were also interested and Boyle was spotted at Pittodrie taking in one of their pre-season friendlies. Whether or not a deal is financially viable for Boyle or Hibs remains to be seen. But Johnson admits it’s something he’d have to consider if the numbers work for both parties.
"We know all about Boyle, obviously,” he told Sky Sports. “He's a good lad, a good player and the club loved him in terms of personality but also in terms of his footballing ability. I would like to add another forward player to the group, but it's a complex deal. Whether or not it's possible, I honestly don't know. If it was possible, we'd be very interested."
Asked if discussions had taken place, Johnson added: "I think it's a 'maybe'. There would be a will to do it if it was possible. But like I say, we're not in control of it because he's another club's player at the moment. Although if that was an option that could be explored, we would be very keen to explore it."
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