Josh Doig has been omitted from the Hibernian squad for their Premiership opener against Motherwell as transfer rumours intensify.
The 19-year-old has been subject to intense speculation regarding his future this summer with English clubs circling after Doig's stunning breakthrough campaign last season.
Arsenal, Leeds United, West Ham United, Watford and a host of English championship clubs have registered an interest in the left-back.
Hibs sporting director Graeme Mathie has slapped a £5million price tag on Doig and he labelled previous bids 'disrespectful'.
It's understood that English clubs are willing to meet Hibs' asking price and Jack Ross has left Doig out his squad for this afternoon's trip to Fir Park.
The Hibs manager adopted a similar stance with Kevin Nisbet and Ryan Porteous last season when there was strong interest in the pair.
Doig was outstanding for Hibs last season and he won the Scottish Football Writers' Young Player of the Year award after helping the Easter Road side to a third place finish and a Scottish Cup final.
