GALATASARAY could enter the race to sign Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet after watching him hit the winner in the Edinburgh derby on Saturday.
The striker netted the only goal of the encounter to end a nine-game winless run against Hearts and ease the pressure on boss Lee Johnson.
A host of Championship sides were present in Leith to watch Nisbet in action as Hibs prepare to cash in on their prized asset during the summer transfer window.
Nisbet opted not to make the move to Millwall in January but the Lions were one of several second tier clubs - including promotion chasing Sheffield United and Middlesbrough - that were keeping tabs on the 26-year-old at the weekend.
Kevin Nisbet scoring the winner vs Hearts 😍⚽️ pic.twitter.com/8apARVWcrL
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) April 16, 2023
And Turkish giants Galatasaray were also watching Nisbet closely as he scored for the second time in three Premiership fixtures to take his tally for the campaign to ten goals from just 14 appearances.
The Scotland striker has endured an injury-hit term but has once again been an integral and influential figure at Easter Road and has now set his sights on a recall to the national squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Norway and Georgia.
Nisbet will not be short of offers south of the border come the end of the campaign but the prospect of interest from the continent would give the forward a decision to make as the Easter Road board aim to maximise their return on the former Dunfermline and Partick Thistle star.
🟢 "I was probably due one against them..." Kevin Nisbet was delighted to score the winner as Hibs ended Hearts' Edinburgh derby dominance 🔽 pic.twitter.com/u7GooDMO5v
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 15, 2023
Galatasaray currently sit six points clear of Fenerbahce and ten ahead of Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig and the Istanbul giants will have a crack at the Champions League should they hold off their fierce rivals in the closing weeks of the title race.
Nisbet will look to help Johnson's side secure a top six finish when they make the trip to face St Johnstone this weekend as he attempts to finish the term in fine form and edge closer to the tally of 19 goals that he notched two seasons ago.
The focus will then switch to his future as Nisbet prepares to make a move that will shape the next stage of his burgeoning career for club and country.