Hibs battle Aberdeen for Sunderland’s Bailey Wright as Premiership rivals locked in transfer scrap for Australia star
HIBS are set to battle Aberdeen for Sunderland star Bailey Wright.
Easter Road boss Lee Johnson wants reunited with the 30-year-old to replace departing Ryan Porteous.
Aberdeen have opened talks with Sunderland about a loan deal for the Australia international but Hibs will also make their pitch with a rival offer.
Porteous is set to be on the move before the end of this month’s transfer window, with Blackburn Rovers and Udinese on his trail.
That means Johnson needs a replacement ready and Wright, who has 27 caps for the Socceroos, fits the bill.
The Hibs boss signed him for Bristol City before taking him to Sunderland in 2020, initially on loan before making it a permanent deal.
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And Johnson hopes that personal connection will allow him to see off Aberdeen’s interest.
Meanwhile, former Hibees defender Sol Bamba has urged the departing Porteous to make the switch to Blackburn Rovers.
The Ewood Park side are currently favourites to land the 23-year-old but they face competition from sides in Ligue 1 and Serie A.
Porteous looks set to leave Easter Road this month and has already confirmed he will not be extending his contract beyond the end of the season.
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We told you earlier that eighth placed Italian side Udinese were interested in making a bid as they look to mount a challenge on the European places above.
Bamba spent three years at Easter Road between 2008 and 2011, and while he admits the Hibees support won’t be too happy with Porteous’ call to head for the exit, he reckons Rovers represent a logical next step.
He told Sky Sports: “I think it would be a good move for him.
"Obviously Hibs fans won’t be happy to lose him but I guess he wants to come down to England and test himself.
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“Blackburn would be a good club for him. Their captain got injured in the last game which is probably why their interest is a bit more now.
“He’ll be a big miss when he eventually leaves the club. But it would be a big move and good move for him to go to Blackburn.”
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