Friday, March 29, 2024
SportHibsWaiting game for Hibs in Stephane Omeonga chase - while Charlton playoff...

Waiting game for Hibs in Stephane Omeonga chase – while Charlton playoff hero Patrick Bauer is not a target

FORMER HIBS loan star Stephane Omeonga is set to wait until after Belgium’s participation in the Under-21 European Championships before making a decision on his future.

The 23-year-old was named in the Red Devil’s squad for the showpiece in Italy following superb six-month stint at Easter Road.

The competition runs from June 16-30, albeit Belgium face an uphill struggle to avoid an early exit after being placed in a group of death with the Azzurri, Spain and Poland.

Omeonga remains contracted to Genoa until the summer of 2021 but, with first-team opportunities likely to be limited, is keen to secure a move away from Il Grifone, either permanently or through another loan switch.

Speaking recently, Omeonga stated: “Would I like to come back to Hibs? Why not.”

Hibs head coach Paul Heckingbottom is desperate to bring the combative midfielder back to Leith, where he starred in 17 appearances during the second half of last season, but is facing a waiting game until Omeonga’s Euros adventure ends.

The former Standard Liege and Anderlecht ace is determined to focus solely on the tournament, while he is acutely aware that it could provide a shop window as scouts flock to the competition.

Meanwhile, it is understood Hibs are not in the chase for Charlton ace Patrick Bauer.

The 26-year-old, who scored Charlton’s dramatic stoppage time winner in their League One promotion play-off final win over Sunderland, is out of contract this summer but will not be making a switch to Easter Road.

Sources at the capital club have confirmed that Heckingbottom is content with their options at centre-back, with Paul Hanlon, Darren McGregor, the returning Ryan Porteous and new signing Adam Jackson to call upon.

Youngster Kosovar Sadiki is also seen as promising cover for the position.

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