Hibs hold out for bigger Kieron Bowie windfall as Celtic and Rangers monitor transfer interest

The Italian Serie A side are understood to have lodged a proposal to Hibs that would only have reached £5m with add-ons, despite a significant downpayment. However, Hibs see Bowie as one of their prized assets and will only sell for top dollar in this transfer window.

Verona are not the only Serie A side interested in Bowie, who has been capped twice by Scotland since making a £600,000 switch from Fulham to Easter Road 18 months ago. However, they are the first to test the waters with a bid.

The Scottish top flight remains an attractive marketplace for Italian sides, with Lennon Miller, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson having successfully moved from the Premiership to Serie A in recent times. Verona have also done business in the past with Hibs, buying Josh Doig from them four years ago.

Bowie, 23, has scored eight goals in the Premiership for Hibs this season and is one of the club’s most sellable players. He has also been linked with Celtic, Rangers and Wolves during this transfer window and both Old Firm sides have been asked to be kept in the loop on developments during this transfer window.

Hibs have yet to bring in a player this month but are closing in on a deal for 19-year-old Sligo Rovers striker Owen Elding in a six-figure purchase. However, he would not be a direct replacement for Bowie and the Easter Road side has drawn up potential replacements should they field an offer they can’t refuse.

Sheffield Wednesday hitman Bailey Cadamarteri is a player of interest, although the 20-year-old is valued close to £1m by the Owls.

Hibs have experienced hitman Martin Boyle and record signing Thibault Klidje on their books as other striking options as well as Elie Youan, who is like Boyle is entering the final six months of his contract.