Championship side Nottingham Forest have had a second bid for Hibernian’s John McGinn rejected by the Scottish Premiership side, reports The Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old moved to Easter Road back in 2015 after coming up through the ranks and playing 98 games for fellow Scottish outfit St Mirren, although he netted just four goals along the way.

However, the Scotland international has gone from strength to strength with Hibs by netting nine goals and laying on 21 assists in 97 appearances for the club, with his best season coming last time out with four goals and nine assists to help inspire Neil Lennon’s side to the Championship title, and thus a return to the top-flight.

And his fine attacking form has seemingly attracted the interest of Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton, but he has once again been dealt a blow in his pursuit of McGinn as reports suggest that Hibernian have rejected an improved bid of £1.5 million for the 22-year-old.

The East Midlands giants made an initial bid of £750,000 last week which was quickly turned down by the Scottish side, and it appears that they will have to increase their offer again if McGinn is to follow former Hibs teammate Jason Cummings south of the border and to the City Ground.

However, it has been reported that a third bid from Forest is likely at some stage today, but whether that will be enough to tempt Hibernian into selling one of their prized assets remains to be seen.

The Verdict: Nottingham Forest have already raided Hibernian for striker Jason Cummings this summer, but it appears that they will have to do significantly more to prize John McGinn away from Easter Road.

The 22-year-old impressed for Hibs last term with four goals and nine assists in their title-winning campaign, form that has since earned him three Scotland caps, as well as a whole host of rave reviews.

Nonetheless, Hibernian have their price and that has clearly not been matched by Forest as of yet, who are continuing to seek attacking reinforcements to build upon their decent start to the Championship season.

However, they will have to up the ante if they are to bring McGinn to the City Ground before today’s 11pm deadline.

Nottingham Forest fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!