Kieron Bowie breaks silence on Hibs record transfer exit as striker boards plane for Italy

The 23-year-old departed Edinburgh Airport on Friday morning to undergo a medical with the Serie A club, who will pay a £6million fee, which could rise to £7m with add-ons, for the Scotland striker.

The move represents a new record sale for the Easter Road club, eclipsing the £4.4m received when Scott Brown joined Celtic in 2007.

Bowie, who joined from Fulham for £600,000 18 months ago, has emerged as key player for Hibs after an injury-hit first season, scoring nine goals this term alongside some impressive displays. Verona have won the race for his signature with Celtic, Rangers, Wolves and a number of European clubs also linked.

Speaking from the airport ahead of his departure, Bowie told Sky Sports: "I've had 18 months at Hibs and I've done extremely well there, and they've done well for me, so for all parties it's good.

"Obviously, Italy appeals now. A lot of people from Scotland have went there, and done well. It opens up a lot of opportunities for myself and my family."

Bowie will become the seventh Scot in the Italian top flight alongside Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour (both Napoli), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Che Adams (Torino) and Josh Doig (Sassuolo).

Verona are currently in the Serie A relegation zone - four points from safety - but have identified Bowie as a player who can help their bid to stay up and potentially earn them a larger transfer fee in the future.

Bowie is hoping to secure a place in the Scotland World Cup squad this summer and national head coach Steve Clarke will be watching developments with interest.

"It is a top league, isn't it?" Bowie added. "Everyone wants to do the best they can. I've spoke about the World Cup a lot over the last couple of months, and that's the idea.

"I've had a good 18 months, not played as many games I've wanted to. But I've helped the club, and they've helped me."