Warren O'Hora to Leicester City: Russell Martin Reunion, Promotion Odds & What It Means for Hibs
Leicester City are closing in on a deadline-day move for Hibernian centre-back Warren O'Hora, with the 27-year-old set to reunite with Russell Martin, the manager who handed him his big break at MK Dons.
O'Hora was left out of Hibs' matchday squad for Sunday's 2-1 win at Dundee, with head coach David Gray admitting he wasn't aware of any bid at the time.
The move has accelerated since, however, with Leicester reportedly prepared to pay a six-figure fee for the Republic of Ireland international, who has made 85 appearances for Hibs since joining in July 2024.
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The Martin connection could be crucial, with O'Hora making his move to MK Dons permanent under the Leicester boss in January 2021.
Now, the pair look set to work together again as Martin looks to shore up a Leicester defence that has already conceded in each of its three Sky Bet League One games.
Leicester City's Promotion Odds
Leicester's return to the third tier has been rocky, with the 2016 Premier League champions sitting 21st after three League One games without a win, with two draws and a defeat.
Defensive concerns have been a particular issue, with the Foxes already conceding three goals, so O'Hora's arrival could give Russell Martin some much-needed stability at the back.
Despite the slow start, the football betting sites still expect Leicester's pedigree to count for plenty, with Betfred pricing the Foxes at 6/5 for promotion this season.
Hibs' Race to Be Best of the Rest
Losing O'Hora would be a major blow for Hibs, particularly with Rocky Bushiri still working his way back from an Achilles injury and academy defender Joseph McGrath out on loan at Alloa Athletic.
That leaves David Gray short of natural cover at right centre-back just as Hibs look to build on an encouraging start to the season.
Hibs currently sit fifth in the Scottish Premiership after three games, level on points with third-placed Hearts and ahead of both Aberdeen and Rangers.
That strong start has kept them firmly in the "best of the rest" conversation, with Hearts priced as the odds-on favourites and Hibs available at 5/1.
What Happens Next
With the transfer window closing at 11pm tonight, O'Hora's move is still to be finalised, but there is growing acceptance in Edinburgh that he will get it over the line before the deadline.
David Gray will then need to decide whether to reshuffle Grant Hanley, Jason Kerr or Jack Iredale into the vacancy, or make a late move in the market for a replacement.
