Nectar Triantis triggers Sunderland wage rise as hopes over Hibs return fade amid big time transfer options.

Triantis also has a number of strong contenders in the English Championship and Major League Soccer.

It appears increasingly unlikely that Nectarios Triantis will return to Hibs. The Easter Road club has held talks with Sunderland about a permanent club record deal.

Last season, the midfielder stood out while on loan at Easter Road. David Grey and his board have gone above and beyond to secure the 22-year-old’s long-term contract.

They have had to wait because Triantis has rejoined Sunderland for their pre-season trip. The Australian has also seen a significant wage increase as a result of the Black Cats’ promotion back to the Premiership.

Hibs would struggle to get near those wages.

Triantis also has a number of strong options in the English Championship and Major League Soccer that Hibs would struggle to compete with financially. The player must also decide on his international future, with options including Australia and Greece.

That will be a major factor in his decision, as he wants to play at the highest club level to further his international ambitions. Hibs’ best chance would be to re-sign Triantis on loan, but that would only happen near the end of the window and would be a long shot if his other options did not materialise.

Grey stated before their match in Midtjylland that he had not given up on getting Triantis back. The Hibs head coach, speaking to the BBC, said: “He was brilliant to work with.

“He’s earned the right to return to his parent club for preseason training. They’re on a different schedule than us because they started later, so there will always be time in these situations to determine the lay of the land.”

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