Turks target in-demand Cummings

TURKISH club Trabzonspor are set to join the chase for Jason Cummings after revealing their interest in the Hibernian striker. The 20-year-old Scot is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Easter Road and has already been linked with a succession of English Championship clubs. Now Trabzonspor are targeting Cummings as part of a recruitment drive following a dismal season

that saw them finish 12th in the Turkish top flight. Their vice-president, Nevzat Aydin, confirmed the Scotland Under-21 forward was on a short-list of options after scoring 25 times for the Scottish Cup winners last season. ‘Jason Cummings from the Scottish leagues is a possibility,’ said Aydin. ‘He is on our list of transfer targets and we are hoping to conclude a deal. ‘We need a minimum of six new players and I can assure our supporters we are looking everywhere. We hope to be in a position to announce them in the coming weeks.’ According to reports in the Turkish media, Trabzonspor are keen to combine Cummings with Swedish international Ola Toivonen as part of a new-look frontline. The club have money to spend but it would remain to be seen whether he would be keen on the switch should English alternatives be available. New Hibs manager Neil Lennon is planning talks with Cummings and Scotland midfielder John McGinn as he looks to retain both players for next season’s promotion push. Speaking last week, Lennon said: ‘John and Jason are excellent players who have just had terrific seasons. They are vital to what I want to do, so I’d like to sit down and speak to both of them. I’m hoping they will see things my way and want to stay for a while.’ Cummings was offered a new contract by Hibs earlier this year but is yet to agree terms on an extension as interest mounts in his services. Lennon, meanwhile, has been handed a timely boost after vice-captain Paul Hanlon penned a new three-year deal to stay at the club. The 26-year-old was out of contract this summer and had been linked with interest from Aberdeen and clubs south of the border. However, Hanlon said: ‘I’m delighted to extend my stay for another three seasons. ‘There is a real excitement following the end to the season and with Neil coming in. I’m looking forward to getting started again. ‘The fans have been brilliant with me and it’s great to see so many signed up for next season already. ‘I’m now determined to build on our success from last season and get Hibs back to the Premiership.’