‘We’ll get it done’: Rosenior confident of landing Philogene before transfer deadline
BUILDING: Liam Rosenior expects a ‘minimum of three’ players to join before the transfer deadline on Friday. Pictures courtesy of Hull City
By Simon Bristow
Hull City boss Liam Rosenior remains confident of landing top transfer target Jaden Philogene before the transfer deadline on Friday.
The highly-rated Aston Villa winger is on the brink of a move to the MKM Stadium, and although Rosenior revealed slight frustration at the time the deal was taking, he remains hopeful of getting his man with just hours to go of the current transfer window.
Asked about the potential of what would be a headline deal at a pre-match press conference today, and the suggestion it was “dragging on”, the head coach said: “It’s dragging on. All the reports I’m getting that will be done before the end of the window. That’s all I can say. I’m waiting.”
Whether it comes off or not, the Tigers squad is expected to contain at least three new faces by the end of the week. Asked what he was hopeful of before the deadline, Rosenior said: “Minimum three players. I think it’s realistic.”
He added: “It has to be close because what have we got, 24 hours left? At the moment we’re working really, really hard and I’m confident we’ll have a really strong squad at the end of the window.”
DOUBT: The Tigers have been rocked by an injury worry over top-scorer Ozan Tufan for Saturday’s trip to Leicester City
The transfer talk comes as City prepare for what is likely to be their toughest away fixture in this season’s Championship when they travel to leaders Leicester City on Saturday – for which Rosenior revealed the in-form Ozan is a real doubt.
The Turkey midfielder is the club’s top scorer this season and joint top of the division with four.
Asked if there were any injury concerns, Rosenior said: “Ozan has an issue with his thigh, so we’re just checking it over with him, which is a big blow.
“I’m going to make a decision on his availability tomorrow when we get all the reports back. So yeah, not a great one but that’s why I’m trying to build a squad in. He’s got a minor issue that hopefully will see him fit for Saturday but at the moment the chances aren’t great.”
Also on the injury front, midfielder Greg Docherty is “working really hard” and could be back in training in a fortnight, Rosenior said. Fellow midfielder Doğukan Sinik could be a little closer to a return to action, having played a practice match on Tuesday which he “came through really well”.
‘I WAS DESPERATE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN’: New goalkeeper Ryan Allsop
Today’s press conference also saw the first chance for the Tigers’ newest recruit, experienced goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, to talk about his move, having signed from Cardiff City on a two-year deal just yesterday.
The shot-stopper, who has previously worked with Rosenior at Derby, said he was delighted to have joined the club and had just completed his first training session with his new teammates.
Asked to explain how the move came about, Allsop said: “I’ve worked with the manager previously at Derby, Justin [Walker, assistant head coach] as well, and I’ve worked with Baz [Barry Richardson, goalkeeping coach] previously at Wycombe as well so they knew me well, they knew my strengths.
“Obviously had brief conversations with them. As things escalated and they became more serious it became something I was desperate to try and make happen. Absoultely delighted to be here. Nice to get started today on the grass, getting to know the boys and get integrated with them. Very excited.”
Allsop was also asked if he picked up on the sense of momentum around the club, which has been building steadily over the last 18 months. He said: “A hundred per cent. The atmosphere around the place, the training ground, I went to the stadium the other day – just the feel and the atmosphere and also the ambition that everyone’s showing and where the club wants to get to. That played a massive part.”
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