Former Hibs ace set for top-flight lifeline after relegation

Europa League semi-finalists Roma are keen on the 22-year-old and could look to bring him to the Eternal City this summer, with reports in Italy suggesting manager Daniele De Rossi - who took over from José Mourinho in January - feels Doig would be a good fit for his squad.

READ MORE - Hibs' 2023/24 season: From mutiny in the mountains to lethargy in Livingston

The Hibs Observer understands preliminary talks between the two clubs have already taken place, with Sassuolo expected to hold something of a fire sale following the end of their ten-year stint in the top flight.

Doig left Easter Road for Hellas Verona in the summer of 2022 and impressed during his debut season in Italy, scoring twice. He was an unused substitute as the Venetian outfit avoided slipping down to Serie B with a 3-1 relegation play-off victory over Spezia in June last year.

But his performances for I Gialloblu had already caught the attention of numerous clubs in Italy and further afield and it came as no surprise when Ligue 1 side Marseille - managed by former AC Milan and Napoli head coach Gennaro Gattuso - made a play for the left-back in January. 

Doig was understood to be keen on the move and had agreed personal terms, with the French side expecting the move to go through, only for Hellas to pull the plug on the transfer at the eleventh hour when league rivals Sassuolo offered a bigger fee for the player. 

READ MORE - How can Hibs reinvigorate Dylan Vente after hit-and-miss debut campaign?

The Scotland Under-21 cap duly moved south from Veneto and played 16 times for Sassuolo, registering two assists, but I Neroverdi finished second bottom, six points adrift of safety after a disastrous run of form, with a surprise win against Inter and a very respectable draw at Lazio not enough to prolong their ten-year stay in Serie A. 

Despite Sassuolo's relegation, Doig's stock remains high and there could well be plenty of interest in his services this summer.