Transfer Centre

Hull City want Darren Bent, Phil Bardsley

By Liam Power, Reporter | 16 June 2013

Hull City weigh up bids for summer transfer targets Phil Bardsley and Darren Bent, with Steve Bruce reported to be keen on both of his former players.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce is reportedly considering a summer swoop for two of his former players, with Darren Bent and Phil Bardsley on a shortlist of transfer targets.

Bent is up for sale in the close season after falling out of favour with Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, with the forward attracting interest from a number of clubs including Newcastle United.

Bruce is prepared to meet Bent's transfer valuation of around £6m and hijack Newcastle's move for the England international, according to The Mirror, with the 29-year-old's high wages the only major barrier to a move.

Sunderland full-back Bardsley is also reported to be a target for the Tigers following the Scottish international's public spat with Black Cats manager Paolo Di Canio.

Hull believe that they can sign Bardsley in a cut-price deal if Sunderland want to offload, with the chance of first-team football in the Premier League a strong incentive.

Besiktas goalkeeper Allan McGregor is also reportedly close to agreeing a move to the KC Stadium, as Hull look to build a squad capable of competing in the top flight next season.