Daily transfer rumours from the press as Hull City prepare for life in the Premier League.
Well thanks folks for the hearty messages of support. All aboard the transfer rumour merry-go-round for another spin.
First off how about Steve Bruce. Now no-one here at the HDM seriously thought he was going to leave for Wigan but today the Daily Mail claims that he has decided to stay after being given assurances over transfer funds. The Daily says that now clears the way for his move for Birmingham defender Curtis Davies which could cost upwards of £3million.
The Guardian also mentions Bruce in an interview with Wigan owner Dave Whelan about Roberto Martinez's successor. Whelan says an appointment will be made next week with interviews expected on Sunday or Monday. So if Bruce unexpectedly goes missing for a few hours the Allams might have a problem. It's unlikely though. Seems very doubtful Bruce was worried about the support he has from the owners and after returning from his hols, expect some City transfer movement very soon.
One of interest to the Tigers, according to SkySports, could be former West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil now available on a free. The hard-working 30-year-old made 24 appearances for West Ham last season but is now a free agent and attracting attention from City and Reading according to the broadcaster.
If transfer rumours trend, then the one rising fast is still the fate of Anderlecht's striker Dieumerci Mbokani. He has knocked back an approach from Dynamo Kiev saying he wants to play in the Premier League. He said: "I went to Kiev but could not agree anything with the club. I want to play in England and I can confirm that there is some interest at the moment. Let's relax and see what happens by the end of June." Of course City are supposedly one of a few clubs interested along with West Brom. It's certainly a talker but fee and wages make it a big outside bet.
Meanwhile a decent show last night by City goalkeeping option Allan McGregor as he kept a clean sheet for Scotland in a 1-0 win over Croatia.
Crazy twitter talk of the day? City chasing David Bentley, (remember him?), on a free transfer from Spurs. Right winger Bentley, now 28, cost Spurs an eye-watering £15million back in 2008 after a couple of impressive seasons with Blackburn. Since then he has made just 42 appearances for Spurs - that's £350,000 a game - and has been loaned out to four clubs. Make your own mind up about that one.June 7
So a few people, well two I can find, have been grumbling about this column suggesting we all hold on until someone is actually signed by Hull City. Let's be honest, this is more something to fill in that time before City take to the Premier League again. And until then, with footballers, agents and managers on their holidays, there isn't much to talk about other than future squads.
So if you don't like it, apologies for wasting your time. On the other hand, if you're like thousands of others and think it's a bit of fun - and some of it might even be right - well off we go....
Remember Denilson? He was the young Brazilian midfielder and Brazil junior captain who joined Arsenal all the way back in 2006 and well, that was about it. Suggestions today though that after being released by Arsenal after 150 odd appearances in five seasons, Hull City could be interested. Could his Samba celebrations - he managed seven in his time with Arsenal - be heading for the KC?
City, though, face competition if Steve Bruce is interested. CSKA Moscow are thought to be interested and may have significantly deeper pockets than the Tigers.>Curtis Davies is in the news again, this time with the Daily Mail claiming City are preparing a £3million deal for the Birmingham City defender - together with a loan going the other way. After his big clear out who would Bruce be willing to see go out to make room?
And yesterday's crazy Twitter rumour seems to be gathering pace. The claim that Anderlecht are talking to Premier League Clubs, possibly including Hull City, over selling striker Dieumerci Mbokani, is now spreading. Anderlecht are reported as saying they want £12million for the player. A spokesman for the Belgian club told SkySports: "There are no bids, but that is not to say talks are not happening – we understand a number of clubs want Mbokani, but that is only natural as he is a fantastic footballer.
"But we will not let him go for less than what we think he is worth, however if there is agreement between the three parties, then he can move."
And that leads us nicely on to today's crazy Twitter chat. How about former Everton defender and Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo? He's currently with Fenerbahce but considering a move back to England with Hull in the frame. Apparently June 6
Another day, another goalie linked to Hull city. Introducing Turkish international goalkeeper Sinan Bolat who Turkish media say is interesting the Tigers.
Bolat is currently a free agent after refusing to renew his contract with Belgian outfit Standard Liege.Bolat was closely linked with Fulham in January and has attracted interest from Besiktas, the club hoping to sell Allan McGregor to City.
According to reports the 24-year-old missed most of last season with a cruciate ligament injury however he is now fit and was recently called up for the Turkish national team. Interesting fact? Bolat is the only goalkeeper to have scored a Champions League goal in open-play.
A name back in the frame today is Curtis Davies, the Birmingham defender. The Birmingham Mail reports today that manager Lee Clarke is preparing for a clear out to save cash and Davies' sale will be likely to raise money. Hull city are mentioned as the main interest for the young defender who was Birmingham City's player of the season.
The Express claims Reading have now joint Hull City in the chase to sign Celtic striker Gary Hooper, viewing him as the man who can take them back to the Premier League. It suggests Norwich and QPR are no longer interested leaving the Tigers, Reading and Sunderland as contenders for the 31-goal Hoops frontman.
Crazy Twitter claim of the day. City are "pushing hard" for centre-forward Dieumerci Mbokani of Anderlecht and will pay £9million. Er, maybe not.June 5
A few agents were probably sent into a spin this morning with wide-of-the-mark reports that Steve Bruce was being lured to Wigan. But with City dismissing the stories, he'll have an inbox full of transfer business when he gets back from holiday this week.
And a goalkeeper continues to be his first priority - and a tricky one to judge. Today reports in Turkey say a £1.8million deal between the Tigers and former Rangers keeper Allan McGregor is as good as done. And McGregor's club Besiktas are lining up a replacement in Arsenal's second choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
Meanwhile the only other club in the frame for McGregor, West Ham, have just signed Real Betis keeper Adrian on a three-year deal. Leicester may be getting a little nervous they asked for £4.5million for as the club could do with the cash to help Nigel Pearson rebuild.
It's safe to say Bruce will have a look at Burnley midfielder Chris McCann. McCann seems to be fairly confident about picking up a Premier League club after quitting Burnley and has held initial talks with City. But whether there is a place for him at City is a different matter. His Premier League experience was limited to seven games in the 2009/10 season.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail suggests City are close to securing the future of defender James Chester. The 24-year-old centre half has been discussing improved terms on a four-year contract and is likely to put pen to paper in the next few days, according to that report.
And crazy twitter claim of the day? joining City next week. Well he did play for Bruce at Wigan and Sunderland....June 4
The big news today is Hull City's move for Wigan's Maynor Figueroa. You can find that story in the Hull Daily Mail and on this site.
But there are still a few other names being linked to City today.
The first is free agent Chris McCann is a target for Hull City, according to the Burnley Express.
The former Burnley midfielder, 25, is said to be attracting interest from City and fellow promotion outfit Crystal Palace. The Dubliner made 269 appearances for Burnley over nine years, scoring 31 goals.
McCann decided against signing a new deal with Burnley, hoping for a return to the Premier League. His previous outing in the top flight, in season 2009/10 with Burnley, was cut short by injury.
The Ireland squad continues to be of interest to Steve Bruce with three of his squad involved and potentially more for the future.
Veteran defender Richard Dunne is now a free agent and despite an injury plagued season which saw him freed by Aston Villa, Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni believes he has still got what it takes after he came on as a sub against Georgia. He is expected to feature him for Ireland's continuing World Cup qualifying campaign. It's unlikely Dunne, 33, will remain without a club for long and although central defenders are not a priority for Bruce, he may be tempted by Dunne's vast Premier experience.
Dunne told Irish broadcaster RTE: "Something will come up over the next while because I'd like to play for another few years if I can." City midfielder Stephen Quinn, who made his debut for Ireland in their easy win over Georgia, is a fan, describing Dunne as a "legend".
City's goalkeeping saga continues, this time with a rival emerging for City for Kasper Schmeichel's signature from Leicester. The Leicester Mercury reports that Swansea are considering a bid with former Denmark captain and Swansea boss Michael Laudrup looking at the Dane.
And it may just be mischief making, but with Ahmed Elmohamaday still to sign for the Tigers, Leicester are said by the Sunderland Echo to be interested in City's player of the year. Premier outfit Southampton are also said to be keeping a close eye on developments at the KC although City remain favourites to sign the player with a transfer already agreed with Sunderland.
Meanwhile, another player long-linked with City, Jordan Rhodes, is looking less likely to make any move. Blackburn managing director Derek Shaw told the Lancashire Telegraph he has received no bids for the striker who cost the club £8million last summer. And that may be where the problem lies, with Blackburn keen to recoup as much of that money as possible if their star striker, who has four years left on his contract, is to leave.
