Martin Ritchie, the Falkirk chairman, insists it will take a very good offer for the club to sell striker Lyle Taylor to Hibernian, even though they need cash to balance the books.

Following reports the 23-year-old has been the subject of a second failed bid from the Edinburgh side, Ritchie has clarified his stance on the situation. Earlier this week, the Rotherham manager Steve Evans claimed he had failed to sign Taylor, after the player, who scored 29 times last season, rejected personal terms.

However, Ritchie says the club have not received a bid that meets their valuation, thought to be in the region of £200,000, for the player, whose contract expires next summer. He said: "We need transfer income to balance our books and to justify our investment in our young players.

"Lyle Taylor has been the subject of such speculation. He has his career aspirations and we all know he is more than capable of playing at a higher level. He is contracted for this season and can play a large part in our push for promotion and play-off places.

"It will therefore take a very good offer for us to part with him. To date, we have had no offer which meets our valuation.

Meanwhile, the new Hibernian defender Fraser Mullen is excited about the prospect of making his European debut in Thursday's second qualifying round Europa League match against Malmo.

The 19-year-old, who signed from rivals Hearts, said: "It's going to be a big occasion and everyone is trying to push to get into the team. Even when you watch European games on the TV, you think to yourself that you would love to play on that stage."