Hibernian boss lifts the lid on Sunderland interest in Josh Doig

Doig, who has shot to prominence this term with a run in the side at the Easter Road, is reportedly on the radar of the Black Cats and Championship side Stoke City ahead of the transfer deadline.

But while Ross admits there have been some tentative enquiries about some of the club’s young players, there have been no firm bids as of yet.

And even if bids are forthcoming before the February 1 cut-off, there is no guarantee they will be accepted – with Hibernian in no rush to sell players this month.

"We’ve had young players who have performed well this season and there have been notes of interest from clubs,” said Ross, speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News.

"As it stands there has been nothing as of today that would see any of those young players depart. But we will see what happens in the days that are left in the window.

“I’m loath to say with certainty that nothing will ever happen because it could change. But not at the moment. They are where they are.

“There’s no duress we are put under to sell players. But there will always be potentially the right time and the right situation for players to move on, if it makes business sense for the club and the player’s development. I’m okay about that. The lines of communication are good.

“You always have to have a list of potential players that we could bring to the club in any eventuality. You need to have that contingency because it’s a fairly predictable industry.”

Sunderland are known to be in the market for a left-back this month after an injury setback for Denver Hume left Callum McFadzean as the club’s only recognised option in that position.

Brighton’s Alex Cochrane and Paul Osew of AFC Wimbledon are among the other names to have been linked.

Lee Johnson remains hopeful of a transfer breakthrough before the window closes at 11pm on February 1.