Yogi: Hibs stars will only leave on my terms

Hibs boss John Hughes today insisted he'd expect to have the final say before any of his Easter Road stars are allowed to leave the club. Although players such as Derek Riordan, Sol Bamba and Anthony Stokes have been the subject of intense speculation over the past few months, Hibs have yet to receive an offer for any of them.

But, while relieved that's proved to be the case, Hughes admitted that could easily change with the current transfer window not closing until the end of this month.

However, Hughes revealed he'd only sanction any departures if he believed the transfer fee generated could be reinvested to the benefit of his squad, disclosing he'd like to bring another striker and midfielder to Easter Road.

Speaking as Fulham were said to have renewed their interest in Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba - first disclosed by the Evening News in May - Hughes said: "I'm delighted no-one has come in for any of our players but it's a business and, if anyone does and the club felt it was right, then so be it.

"Me being a manager, however, would be asking if a player was to move would I get one or two in and if I felt it was right it would probably happen. I have a great relationship with the chairman (Rod Petrie] and I understand the business.

"The last thing we would want, however, is someone going out two days before the window shuts."

Having released five players at the end of last season, bringing in Edwin de Graaf, Michael Hart and David Stephens, Hughes has repeatedly stated he believes his squad is a little short of numbers while another promising batch of youngsters need time to realise that potential.

Agreeing the likes of Paul Hanlon and David Wotherspoon will have benefited from a season at first-team level, Hughes revealed he believes his team remains "a couple of years away" from where he envisages taking it, feeling the introduction of further experienced players would help that process.

Speaking specifically about Bamba. Hughes underlined the importance of the 25-year-old's presence within his squad, saying: "Big Sol is vital in terms of pace and power, I don't think there's anyone, other than possible Madjid Bougherra, who is so strong.

"He is vital if we want to keep that back door shut."

Bamba has, of course, been at odds with the club over his late return to pre-season training, an action which saw him dropped for the first leg of the Europa League tie with NK Maribor, but, Hughes insisted, he enjoys working with the former Dunfermline stopper.

He said: "Sol and I get on great, he knows I am a fair guy who looks after him and understands his family is in France but Sol in the right frame of mind, with that focus and playing with a bit of anger, but disciplined, can be anything he wants.

"We are a better team with his physical presence.

"I enjoy working with him but I felt I had to be honest to the rest of the boys. It was one of those things that happen, I hope it won't happen again and I hope Sol goes on to be Hibs' player of the year."