Hibernian have confirmed the signing of Rangers-linked Kevin Nisbet from Dunfermline and claim to have beaten off competition from multiple other clubs [Hibernianfc.co.uk].
Last season, a Glasgow Times report claimed Rangers were ‘keeping tabs’ on the striker, leading to speculation about a potential summer swoop.
The only way he’ll be turning out at Ibrox in the coming campaign will be as an opposition player, though, as he has penned a four-year contract with the Hibees.
Confirming the transfer on Friday afternoon, Hibernian claimed Nisbet knocked back ‘alternative interest from both sides of the border’ in favour of a move to Edinburgh [Hibernianfc.co.uk].
It’s unclear at this point whether or not Rangers were one of the clubs who tabled an unsuccessful offer.
Nisbet is unproven in the top-flight but has earned this move courtesy of several prolific seasons in the lower divisions following his release by Partick Thistle in 2018.
He netted 34 times in all competitions for then third-tier Raith Rovers across the 2018/19 campaign, before scoring 23 times in 32 appearances during his solitary season with the Pars.
Rangers may have missed out on Nisbet but it’s also possible that their interest never progressed beyond initial scouting missions.
Regardless, surely efforts are being made behind the scenes to bring in reinforcements up top before the new season begins.
With only Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe to call upon at present, Steven Gerrard looks a little short of options in the final third.
