• Improved bid from the Midlands club turned down
• ‘I am happy at Hull City,’ says Ireland winger
Hull City have rejected an improved £5m bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers for their winger Stephen Hunt and do not expect the Midlands club to make what would be a fifth approach for the player.
“In response to further released speculation, the club have received a verbal offer of £5m for Stephen Hunt,” confirmed a statement on Hull’s official website. “This has been completely rejected and we are not expecting any further bids.”
Reports have suggested that Hull would have to put their entire squad on the transfer list in the hope of clearing debts of £9m. Yet, although the club’s chairman, Adam Pearson, has spoken of the need to move out fringe players and cut the wage bill by £6m, there is a reluctance to part with the club’s most important players. Manager Phil Brown had conceded previously, however, that the club would have to listen to offers for all players given their financial state.
“I gather the clubs have been talking a bit but for what I know, I’m staying,” said the Republic of Ireland international, who has scored six goals for Hull this season. “In the past I’ve got involved in transfers and mucked my head up but I’ve pretty much said nothing this time, got my head down and let my football do the talking.
“I’m happy at Hull City. When 5pm comes this evening it will probably be a bit of a relief.”
The Hull assistant manager Brian Horton has, meanwhile, confirmed that midfielder Peter Halmosi has returned to former club Szombathelyi Halafas on loan until the end of the season and that striker Daniel Cousin has joined Greek side Larissa on loan.
Hull CityWolverhampton WanderersTransfer windowguardian.co.uk
