• Brazilian’s contract terminated with 12 months still to run
• Hull forced to clear out high earners following relegation

Geovanni has left Hull after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. The Brazilian, who scored Hull’s first ever goal in the Premier League, still had a year remaining on his deal.

The 30-year-old joined the north-east club on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2008 and made a total of 65 appearances, scoring 13 goals.

Hull have been forced to release their high-wage earners at the KC Stadium following their relegation from the top flight last season.

Geovanni is a reported target for Greek clubs AEK Athens and Panathinaikos.

Hull Cityguardian.co.uk

• Former Portsmouth manager Paul Hart on Hull shortlist
• No appointment until Phil Brown’s severance deal is done

Paul Hart has emerged as a leading contender to become Hull City’s new manager. The experienced 57-year-old, who has had stints in charge of Portsmouth and Crystal Palace, has held talks with Adam Pearson, Hull’s former chairman who is now head of football operations.

However no appointment will be made until a severance deal is agreed with the outgoing Phil Brown.

Gary Speed, currently assisting Kevin Blackwell at Sheffield United, is another name on Hull’s shortlist but is understood to be unsure about accepting the challenge.

Iain Dowie, who stepped in when Brown was placed on gardening leave in March but failed to prevent the club being relegated from the Premier League, wants the job but is now considered an outside candidate.

Hull CityPaul HartIain DowieLouise Taylorguardian.co.uk

A point for West Ham against Fulham will officially put Hull out of their Premier League misery before they arrive at the DW Stadium. Their only hope should the Hammers fail to collect another point will be to win their two remaining matches while overturning a goal difference of 23 in the process. It’s not going to happen. The trip to Wigan will be painful but also educational for a Hull board striving to avoid administration. They should look at Roberto Martínez and study a manager who can spend what little money he has wisely. Andy Hunter

Venue DW Stadium, Monday 1.30pm (ESPN) Tickets £20-£22 (0871 66 33 552) Last season Wigan 1 Hull 0 Referee P Dowd

This season’s matches 28 Y86, R5, 3.25 cards per game

Odds Wigan 5-6 Hull 19-5 Draw 13-5

Wigan Athletic

Subs from Moses, Scharner, Thomas, Stojkovic, Sinclair, Boyce, Pollitt, Scotland, Amaya, Koumas, Gómez, Edman, McManaman

Doubtful Thomas (thigh), Moreno (hamstring)

Injured Kingson (groin, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide LWDLLW

Disciplinary record Y60 R2

Leading scorer Rodallega 10

Hull City

Subs from Myhill, Kilbane, McShane, Sonko, Olofinjana, Cairney, Cullen, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Ghilas

Doubtful None

Injured Marney (ankle, 9 May), Zayatte (knee, 9 May), Ashbee (knee, Aug), Garcia (knee Aug), Hunt (foot, Aug)

Suspended Altidore (first of three)

Form guide LLDLLW Disciplinary record Y66 R6

Leading scorer Hunt 6

Match pointers

• Wigan have won three of the last four games with Hull in all competitions, including a 4-1 win at the DW Stadium in this season’s FA Cup

• Hull have relied on penalty goals more than any side this season (19%) yet a missed penalty last weekend has all but relegated them

• Wigan have attempted more long passes than any other side this term, 2,453

• Hull have conceded the most and won the fewest corners

• Wigan have won three and lost one of their last five home league games

Wigan AthleticHull CityPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk