Hibernian insist that they have every right to reject a transfer request handed in by Rangers target Scott Allan and have vowed to continue to look after the former West Brom midfielder.
Rangers have been pushing hard to sign Allan, but have seen two bids rejected by Hibs, who are desperate not to strengthen Championship rivals.
The club's strategy is a risky one given Allan has only a year left on his contract and has now handed in a transfer request in an effort to force through a move.
But the Easter Road outfit insist they have every right to refuse to sell Allan to the Gers.
CEO Leeann Dempster was quoted as saying by the BBC: "Scott has every right to put in a transfer request and the club has every right to reject it.
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"He's still a Hibernian player, we will continue to look after him and he's still a very big part of our squad here."
And manager Alan Stubbs insists that Allan's decision to hand in a transfer request will not affect how he is treated at Easter Road, with the 23-year-old an integral part of his plans for the current campaign.
Stubbs explained: "I will still look after Scott Allan, he is still part of my plans. I will not disregard Scott or any player just because of the chain of events.
"I have the utmost respect for him as a footballer and a person. Why should that change? I won't allow myself to do that, it wouldn't be the right thing."
It remains to be seen whether Hibernian have a change of heart before the summer transfer window slams shut.
