According to the Scottish Mail on Sunday (print edition, Nov 17), former Derby County defender Efe Ambrose could join either Hibernian or St Johnstone on a free transfer.
Ambrose joined Derby from Hibernian on a free transfer last January.
Then manager Frank Lampard signed the former Celtic man to provide cover for Richard Keogh and Fikayo Tomori with Curtis Davies ruled out with a long-term injury.
(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images).
Derby’s regular duo last season managed to steer clear of injuries. They proved such a solid partnership that Ambrose failed to make a single appearance for the club.
As such, in the summer, the Nigerian was released from his short-term deal.
Now, the 31-year-old remains without a club. However, that could soon change ahead of the January transfer window as Hibs and St Johnstone reportedly show an interest.
Hibs are managed by former Sunderland boss Jack Ross. He could make Ambrose his first signing since taking over at Easter Road from Paul Heckingbottom.
St Johnstone are looking for experience at the back. Ambrose has knowledge of the Scottish Premiership and could be an ideal signing for the Saints.
It would be strange for Ambrose to return north of the border one year after leaving. The central defender, however, may have few other options as he plans to prolong his career.
Derby, meanwhile, are short on central defenders themselves. Keogh is no longer at the club, and current loanee Matt Clarke suffered an injury in his last outing at Nottingham Forest.
(Photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images).
Ironically, if Ambrose was still around, he would probably have a better chance of making a Rams appearance now with Phillip Cocu’s side down to the bare bones.
Also see: Derby reportedly send scouts to watch £250k bargain; face Championship competition.
Also see: £50k steal Derby missed out on now quoted at £8m after reported Leeds interest.