Hull City are looking to strengthen their attacking options before the start of the new Premier League season.
Hull City appear to be edging closer to a transfer for Franjo Ivanovic. (Image: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Hull City transfer target Franjo Ivanovic is preparing to leave Benfica as negotiations continue between the two clubs. But Hull now face late competition from Spanish side Real Betis.
The Tigers are preparing for life back in the Premier League under Sergej Jakirovic. They have signed four players so far this window, in Jack Butland, Hidemasa Morita, Matt Targett and Oscar Zambrano.
The club are also expected to confirm the arrivals of Konstantinos Tzolakis and Nobel Mendy over the next few days. They are also closing in on deals for defender Lucas Herrington and midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl as transfer business steps up.
Reports in Portugal also suggest that a move for striker Ivanovic could be edging closer. Record reports that negotiations over a paid loan with a €25 million (£21.4m) obligation to buy is being discussed, with the player preparing for his final few days with Benfica.
However, Real Betis could put a spanner in the works, with the Spanish club said to be showing an interest. A Bola adds that Betis are continuing to negotiate with both Benfica and the player in a bid to hijack the deal.
Ivanovic only joined Benfica a year ago, arriving from Belgian side Union SG. Last season, the 22-year-old scored eight times and provided three assists in 42 appearances for Benfica in all competitions.
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In an unusual step, Hull owner Acun Ilcali took to social media last month to reveal information about the club’s transfer targets. Speaking about the post, he told Hull Live: “I’ve always said I want to be transparent with our fans, and I believe that’s what makes us different from other clubs.
“I will never let my fans get lost in fake rumours and fake news. The fans are the most important part of any club, and without them there would be no Hull City, and I would not be here, so it’s important that I’m honest with them and tell them what’s happening.
“I’m sure they understand that sometimes I cannot name a player because it can be sensitive, and we could miss out on him, but they know how hard we are working to give them a squad that they can be proud of.
“We know how hard the Premier League will be, and how much we need to give our coach the best players we can, and we’re trying our best.
“My priority will always be to try and make them happy, and I will never let them get lost in fake rumours or allow misinformation to be spread about our club. I never worry about what other clubs are doing. I have my own way of working, and I will stand by that.”
Hull start their Premier League campaign when they host Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, 22 August (12.30pm kick-off).
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