Hamilton boss Brian Rice admits he expected interest in key man Hakeem Odoffin with Hibs chasing his signature.
Jack Ross is targeting the former Livingston man after Jackson Irvine signed for German outfit St Pauli as he looks to revamp his midfield.
The 23-year-old still has a year left to run on his Accies deal so Hibs would need to pay a fee to land him.
Odoffin was signed as a right-back by Hamilton but was a stand out in midfield despite their relegation from the Scottish Premiership.
However, New Douglas Park gaffer Rice believes he will be a huge part of their Championship rebuild this season.
When asked about the Hibees interest this summer, Rice told Lanarkshire Live : “He’s an absolute gentleman
“He’s a very hard worker, he’s very conscientious and he’s a good pro.
“There will be no problems whatsoever with Hakeem if he stays.
“I want to keep him at the club. He’s a big part of what we are trying to do but when somebody does well then there’s going to be interest.
“There’s definitely going to be interest. He’s done very well for us and there is obviously interest.
“We know that but he’s still our player and I hope that he can be our player until the end of the season.”
Rotherham are also interested after Motherwell and St Mirren targeted Odoffin earlier in the transfer window.
