Tigers chasing ‘five more’ players in bid to boost promotion push

‘WE’RE WORKING REALLY HARD’: City boss Liam Rosenior on the club’s transfer targets

By Simon Bristow

Hull City could be bolstered by the arrival of five more players before the end of the transfer window as boss Liam Rosenior looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion in this season’s Sky Bet Championship.

The Tigers entertain Bristol City under the floodlights of the MKM Stadium on Friday night knowing a win by at least two goals would catapult them to the top of the table.

Rosenior’s side currently lie in seventh place after the opening three games, with back-to-back victories having dulled the pain of an opening day defeat at Norwich.

And after already strengthening over the summer with an impressive mixture of talent and experience, Rosenior today confirmed City’s business is far from done as he looks to add a goalkeeper and midfield and attacking targets.

One of these is believed to be an exciting swoop for Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene.

Asked if any deals were close, Rosenior told the pre-match press conference this afternoon: “Yes, there’s things bubbling away. It’s been widely reported on a few players we are interested in and I think, hopefully, we could get some good news with that really soon.”

Asked whether Philogene was part of that mix, Rosenior said: “Honestly, for me, I understand other people talking about it but I’ve said all along, I prefer speaking about players when they’re done, when they’re signed.

“For me, we’ve worked really, really hard, not just in that position or in the forward position, we’ve got other things going on with the goalkeeper situation, another really exciting thing going in a midfield position that we want to add to as well.

“So if we get those players in all of the worry and fear for most of this transfer window [it] will be understood why we’ve done it this way.”

‘I FEEL WANTED HERE’: Scott Twine

Chairman Acun Ilıcalı has suggested up to five players could be coming in, and Rosenior said: “Yes, that’s a fair number. For us to be where we want to be we need competition in every area of the pitch, and at the moment there’s a few talks going on with a few players that I’m really, really excited about – not the ones that have been reported.”

As if to emphasise the behind-the-scenes activity to get deals over the line, the head coach’s mobile phone rang while he was being asked how relieved he will be to have concluded the club’s business during this window.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “You know I’m literally, my phone is in my pocket ringing right now.”

The most recent addition was the eye-catching arrival of attacking midfielder Scott Twine on a season-long loan from Premier League Burnley. He was thrust straight into action for his City debut at Ewood Park.

Twine, who was being hunted by several Championship clubs, told reporters Rosenior and Ilıcalı had been pivotal in persuading him his immediate future lay at the MKM Stadium.

He said: “I think the chairman was a big part and the gaffer as well. They were huge in it and as soon as I spoke to the gaffer my mind was made up. I wanted to come here. It’s always nice for teams to want you so hopefully I can make everyone proud and do as well as I can.”

On Ilıcalı in particular, Twine said: “When I signed he spoke to me, he was really happy – it’s stuff like that goes a long way, I think, feeling wanted in football. I definitely felt wanted here.”

Another summer recruit who has hit the ground running, despite not being fully fit in his case, is striker Aaron Connolly, who has wasted no time in beginning to repay Rosenior’s faith by netting three times – including a match-winning brace late on at Blackburn last Saturday.

Speaking of that contribution, Rosenior said: “Two Premier League goals, not just his run and his finish but I think Mica’s [Jean Michaël Seri] pass showed the type of player he is, absolutely top, and Alfie Jones – it’s a great pass, it’s a wonderful ball in behind. And that’s the difference for me this year, it’s being able to change the front end of the pitch.”

The Tigers have no new injury worries. They have six points from their opening three games, while Friday’s visitors The Robins – managed by former Tigers boss Nigel Pearson – are in 14th place on four points.