Hull City remain desperate to sign the former Sheffield United striker
Hull City remain firmly in the race to sign striker Oli McBurnie and remain hopeful that they will be able to conclude a deal to sign the former Sheffield United star.
In what has become something of a summer saga, City have been in talks with the Scotland international for the duration of the off-season and had hoped to wrap up a deal before now.
Their difficulties with the transfer restrictions imposed on them by the EFL have hampered progress, and at one point, seemingly ended their hopes, but McBurnie himself has been taking time to weigh up his options.
At the age of 29, his next move is a crucial one and he is therefore understandably keen to mull over the options at his disposal, which include former clubs United, Swansea City and now Ipswich Town amongst other potential suitors.
Swansea are thought to have offered a three-year deal to their former 20-goal frontman, while City themselves are prepared to offer him a long-term, lucrative deal to entice him to the MKM Stadium and link up with former Blades teammates John Egan and, once confirmed, John Lundstram.
Head coach Sergej Jakirovic believes the striker, who left Las Palmas at the end of the season following their relegation from La Liga, will fit perfectly into his system, making him a top target.
Jakirovic set out his vision to the Leeds-born frontman earlier this summer when the pair had a zoom call, while it’s understood Egan and Matt Crooks have both been doing their bit to make up his mind. Sporting director Jared Dublin remains in contact with McBurnie and his agent.
“I would like to have Oli McBurnie,” City’s boss told Hull Live after Tuesday’s victory over Sunderland. “He would bring everything that we need – leadership, experience, and he knows the Championship. Plus goals. I hope the goals; we need goals. I believe, yes (we can get it done). I believe that the EFL will help us.”
With the season curtain raiser just over a week away, McBurnie is edging towards decision time and the Tigers remain firmly in the hunt, and hope their persistence will pay off.
Meanwhile, Enis Destan and Lundstram are both in Hull and expected to complete their moves to the club in the next 24 hours, once signed off by both clubs and the EFL.
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