Hibernian boss David Gray admits he’s helpless as Leeds make approach for Josh Mulligan after release clause news
Leeds United are in the race to sign Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan this month.
The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for Hibs this season, after signing for the Scottish Premiership club from Dundee last summer.
It was reported in December that Leeds and Nottingham Forest have made initial approaches for Mulligan, with the Scottish Daily Mail claiming that Forest’s interest was more advanced.
Mulligan is also a target for Lille and Wolfsburg, with French media adding that the ex-Scotland Under-21s international has a release clause in his deal at Hibs.
What the stats say about Josh Mulligan’s Hibs form
Sky Sports reported on New Year’s Day that, with the winter transfer window now open, Daniel Farke is on the lookout for new attacking options as the Whites aim to prevent relegation back to the Championship.
Mulligan is primarily a central midfielder but has played a lot on the right wing for Hibs as well, meaning that he’s become somewhat of a Swiss army knife in the Scottish top flight for the Edinburgh club.
Only two players have assisted more goals than him this term, while Mulligan also ranks high for key defensive attributes like interceptions and tackles.
| Stat | Scottish Premiership rank | |
| Assists | 5 | 3rd |
| Key passes | 19 | =19th |
| Successful dribbles | 21 | =10th |
| Interceptions | 21 | =13th |
| Tackles | 41 | =6th |
Understandably, Mulligan’s style of play has seen him compared with Aston Villa’s John McGinn.
Not only does he have the energy of a Duracell bunny, but he’s also a tough-tackling, in-your-face kind of player who simply loves to be out on the pitch.
But prying him away from Easter Road in January could be a tough ask, based on the latest update from Hibernian manager David Gray.
David Gray’s transfer reveal
While Hearts are the talk of Scottish football this season as they aim to break the Old Firm monopoly on the league title north of the border, the story at Hibernian can’t be ignored either.
Gray admits that with good form, comes speculation about his star players.
“I think all the two can do is keep doing what they’re doing. So I think they need to keep working hard, which is the biggest benefit,” said Gray, when talking about Mulligan and his Hibs teammate Kieron Bowie, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“I say it all the time about them two is they’re getting all the plaudits at the moment because of their level of performance, but they’re really hard-working, humble boys that are enjoying their football.
“That’s the most important thing. Their carrot’s still going to be there for them. They’ll keep coming up about trying to force their way into Scotland’s squad.
“All they can do is keep taking care of their own performance levels and helping the team as much as they can.
“I think if they can do that, then naturally we’ve got other players as well. Speculation will always be there.
“There’s nothing you can do about that, but you need to keep your feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
Any deal that Leeds strike for Mulligan this month would have to take PSR into consideration.
As with all Premier League clubs nowadays, the books have to be watched a lot more closely than usual in order to avoid a repeat of what happened to Everton and Nottingham Forest a few years ago.
We don’t know what figure Mulligan’s release clause is, but there’s every chance it’s something affordable, and his wages might not be too bad either, as he’d be coming from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League.
Watch this space, Leeds fans.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews