Barr is free to talk to other club in the New Year

Hibernian manager John Hughes is playing down the possibility of a move for Falkirk captain Darren Barr.

The defender is out of contract in May and BBC Scotland has learned that his representatives will hold talks with Hibs and Hearts in January.

Hughes said of the 24-year-old: "He's a player that I admire, that's for sure."

But he added: "We'd all love to bring in certain players but it's not always possible, because of the current climate in terms of finance."

Hughes brought Barr through the ranks at Falkirk before quitting his post to take charge at Easter Road in the summer.

And it is clear the Edinburgh side are in the market for defenders.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to this story

Icelandic international Haraldur Freyr Guomundsson was recently on trial and New Zealander Cole Tinkler has been training with Hibs.

"He's been with us for seven days, he's acquitted himself very well," said Hughes of Tinkler.

"He can play anywhere right across the back four.

"I have to sit down now and see if he's any better than what we've got - he's not any worse, that's for sure.

"It's all about spinning plates; if you bring him in, does that allow you to bring another one in?"

Falkirk manager Eddie May has repeatedly stressed that he would prefer Barr to wind down his contract than cash in on a meagre fee in January.

Speaking in July, the Bairns boss said: "We don't want to let Darren go for a couple of hundred thousand pounds. It wouldn't be worth it for Darren and it wouldn't be good for the club.

"I think it's more beneficial for Darren to play, and if a big team comes in, then he'll have more options at the end of the season - because he's a free agent."

Barr, who can play at right-back or in central defence, has been a Scotland squad regular over the last two years but has played just one half of international football in a friendly against Northern Ireland.

Burnley, who had a summer bid for Barr rejected, have again been linked with Barr, along with a number of English Championship sides.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version