Daily transfer rumours from the press as Hull City prepare for life in the Premier League.
Former Wigan defender Maynor Figuero is the central figure today, as reflected in today's report in the Hull Daily Mail, as we fully expect him to be the first new addition to Steve Bruce's squad for the Premier League.
Bruce has made him his number one defensive target, and some nationals today say he was in Hull last night for a medical, with a three year deal set to be signed today.
It comes as sources have told us City are also pushing hard to bring Birmingham's Curtis Davies to the KC Stadium as well, with the former Aston Villa and West Brom man telling his people he wants the deal done.
The sticking point, as ever, will be price, but with Jack Hobbs being thrown into the deal, should City up their cash offering from £2m to £3m, he could be the next on his way.
Elsewhere, whilst the focus of the past couple of days has been on a supposed bid of £4.5m for Celtic's Gary Hooper, there were whispers in and around Burnley that the Tigers had tabled a £4m offer for their hitman Charlie Austin.
That may be one to watch over the weekend, as the player and his agent are due to sit down and discuss his future having both returned from holiday.
As is always the case, a few of the early targets could be falling off the radar for the Tigers, and with Leicester City insisting keeper Kasper Schmeichel won't be sold at any price, City could well be now focusing on other options.
Reports in some quarters say a £1.8m deal is already done to bring Besiktas star Allan McGregor to the KC Stadium, although such suggestions look a little premature, and as yet, there is no confirmation from any party.
Scouring the crazy twitter talk offers another name though, that of Manchester City's Costel Pantilimon is doing the rounds, a man who stands 6ft 8in tall, and despite being overlooked in the Premier League, played his part in helping City to the FA Cup Final last season.
Finally, for a name plucked out of the air, how about Manchester United youngster Ángelo Henríquez, who spent time on loan at Wigan last season.
Steve Bruce is being linked on some United blogs with a move, and perhaps has the inside track on his abilities from former Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson.June 13
Name of the day is of course Gary Hooper Everyone from the BBC to the national dailies are reporting that Hull City have had a bid of £4 or £4.5million turned down for the Celtic striker. Elsewhere here on the HDM you'll find some better sourced background to the story. City have noted an interest in the player but no formal bid yet.
But the Scottish champions' £7million valuation of Hooper, who scored 31 times for Celtic as they clinched the double, remains a big issue for City and their budget plans. A lot may come down to whether Hooper, with one year left on his deal, starts pushing for a move with the prospect of playing Manchester United or Chelsea next season rather than Ross County and Inverness Caley. Interestingly, the Daily Record reports that Celtic have just signed Portugese striker Balde for £2million.
Another City target Kasper Schmeichel is in the news again. Sky Sports reports that Leicester have rejected a third bid from City for the keeper of £2million plus a player in exchange. Remember Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was a big fan of Cameron Stewart? Meanwhile the Leicester Mercury has former Leicester City keeper Carl Muggleton calling on the club to do all they can to keep Schmeichel. Not budging on their £4million valuation seems to be achieving that.
Turkey is always a good source of odd transfer rumours and here's the latest. Hull City are looking at Johan Elmander but face competition from Sunderland for the Swedish striker, currently transfer listed at Galatasaray. The Daily Mail also makes the link. Elmander, formerly Bolton's most expensive signing at £8million, is now 32 and scored four times in 14 appearances for the Turkish club last season. He's available for around £400,000.
Crazy twitter talk. It was bound to happen eventually. City interested in Nicholas Bendtner. Maybe that's why they're launching direct flights from Humberside to Copenhagen. Or maybe not.June 12
Well that Hull Daily Mail is reporting Arouna Kone is interesting Hull City, along with old Transfer Rumours regular Charlie Austin. Of course, always reliable the HDM, not like these other press gossip peddlers.
Seems though that despite every free agent and ambitious Anderlecht striker who is being linked to City, Steve Bruce has a very specific list of players he wants in. And it may not be a very long list.
And part of that is going to be looking at his existing squad and how long they could be of use. The Daily Mail reports that Irish international Paul McShane may be rewarded with a three year contract with City after his heroics on promotion day. McShane is 27 but a three year contract would be a remarkable turn around for a player whose career with the Tigers was in the balance after his early injury hit season.
The Daily Mirror reports that Peter Odemwingie is interesting Swansea and includes Hull City, Cardiff and Crystal Palace among his admirers. The paper says West Brom would be willing to sell the Nigerian striker, 31, for around £3million after a fall-out and failed mid-season transfer to QPR. Odemwingie's strike rate is 109 goals in 366 professional games. For comparison Kone is 103 in 323.
On telly, Sky Sports are claiming that Hull City are pursuing highly rated Brighton midfielder Liam Bridcutt. The Scottish international, 24, has been Brighton's player of the year two seasons running. A defensive midfielder, he is a former Chelsea youth team player and is also reported to be attracting interest from Cardiff, Reading and QPR.
And it wouldn't be the same without our crazy twitter chat. How about Raoul Loe from Osasuna. Raoul, a 6ft 4in defensive midfielder, played a cup tie against Barcelona last season. Osasuno lost 6-1 over two legs.June 11
So how about something more certain instead of the usual speculation and rumour?
Hull city are close to agreeing terms with Maynor Figueroa the former Wigan left back who left the club on a free at the end of the season. Figueroa has been one of Steve Bruce's prime targets and it looks as if he has his man. With 99 international caps and a fizzing left foot - look online for his own-half scorcher against Stoke - he looks like a quality signing for City.
Meanwhile, we've been sticking our nose in this Dieumerci Mbokani business and come up with some interesting news. The Anderlecht striker is being touted around and we understand Hull City were contacted to see if they were interested. The reply back was a firm, "thanks but no thanks" with the £8million plus price tag way off city's planned budget. So let's wave farewell to Mbokani. Although we might still see him back at the KC next season with Swansea or West Brom.
One still in the frame is Aussie giant Mark Schwarzer. As City and Leicester try to come up with a deal for Kasper Schmeichel Schwarzer is emerging as a strong alternative with a lot of chatter down under about being close to signing for the Tigers.
Crazy twitter talk? Reda Johnson Sheffield Wednesday's towering French-born defender who is an international with Benin.A fans favourite at Hillsborough, he's managed an impressive 16 goals in 53 games for the Owls.June 10
This story has grown longer legs than Peter Crouch in recent days. But now the Belgian paper Gazet Van Antwerpen is claiming Hull City have tabled an £8million bid for Anderlecht's impressive striker Dieumerci Mbokani.
However, the paper says Congolese international Mbokani isn't interested in a move to Hull and is waiting for a "better club". For good measure it says City's alleged bid was turned down as too low with Anderlecht holding out for £12million.
Whatever the truth, it's fun checking out Mbokani on YouTube and picturing him in a City shirt.
City's goalkeeping speculation rumbles on. Interesting news from Turkey where Besiktas are widely reported to be preparing to sign Arsenal keeper Lukasz Fabianski. The club has also just signed a back-up in Turkish keeper Güvenc Günay from Stuttgarter Kickers. So that's a club that clearly doesn't see Allan McGregor staying.
The Turkish press say Hull City is still McGregor's likely destination for £1.8million although a couple of stories this morning suggest the Scot is now exploring other Premier League options.Ahmed Fathi is unlikely to return to Hull. Despite a cameo performace in the Tigers run-in, City haven't shown a huge desire to have the talented Egyptian back at the KC. His agent has now told the Egyptian media that he is in talks with an unnamed Turkish club about signing the right back.
Another no show is probably Kevin Davies. According to weekend reports former Bolton frontman Davies, 36, is keen on a move to Sheffield Wednesday to reunite with old boss Dave Jones.
Meanwhile Shaun Maloney has admitted his future is uncertain after Wigan were relegated. Maloney earned plaudits for his battling performaces in Wigan's failed relegation dogfight - and FA Cup win - but there's widespread speculation he would be tempted with a move back into the Premier League, with the Tigers one possible option along with favourites Everton, where he would team up with former manager Roberto Martinez, and Aston Villa.
Maloney told the Scottish press: "Things are pretty up in the air, like us not having a manager. Our chairman spoke about players leaving and staying, and us trying to bounce right back up. So there's a bit of uncertainty surrounding the club."
Crazy twitter talk of the day? Ignoring the joke about Andrea Pirlo being in Hull for a medical, there's Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on his way to City. The Wolves' striker is being linked with various clubs. Not a great Premier pedigree though. He managed one goal, a penalty, in 23 games when Wolves were in the top flight.June 9
He famously forgot he owned a Porsche after leaving it at a railway station for five months, but could Jermaine Pennant find his way to Hull City.
According to the Star on Sunday Steve Bruce is considering a move for Pennant after he was released from Stoke, the 10th club the 20-year-old right-sided winger has played for in his career. Among those clubs are Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Zaragoza, where he is said to have forgotten about the sports car after leaving it at a local railway station.
The Star says new Stoke boss Mark Hughes may only offer Pennant a one-year deal – while Bruce is offering a one-year deal with the prospect of a further 12 months if City stay in the Premier.
Well it's a day in the week with a Y in it so that means another goalkeeping option for City. We mentioned it in passing a couple of weeks back but Fulham's Mark Schwarzer is back in the frame, accoring to the Sunday People. It says the veteran Aussie, 40, will walk from Fulham after Martin Jol signed Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg from Roma - and into a one year deal being offered by Bruce. But Schwarzer is unlikely to want a place on the bench - Kasper Schmeichel is still Bruce's first choice - as he wants to make a last appearance for Australia in the World Cup.
Meanwhile the long-running link between City and Birmingham City defender Curtis Davies takes another surprise twist with the Sun suggesting Bruce would be willing to send stalwart defender Jack Hobbs across to Brum in return for securing Davies signature.
Hobbs has one more year on his current KC deal and although injury robbed him of the opening four months of the season, he still notched up 22 apperances in City's promotion season and remains a popular figure with fans and team-mates.
Meanwhile one of the first players linked with City at the end of the season certainly will not be coming. Phil Neville has confirmed his retirement from football to start a coaching career.
Took a bit of digging this morning but it will always be there. Today's crazy twitter talk is Aston Villa's all-time Premuier League goal-scorer Gabby Agbonlahor on Hull City's wanted list.June 8
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.
