Last season’s Young Player of the Year has unsurprisingly courted interest this summer
Hull City have politely discouraged Sheffield United’s interest in defender Charlie Hughes as Ruben Selles looks to fill the void left by Anel Ahmedhodzic.
The Bosnian defender called time on his Blades career on Tuesday when he joined Dutch giants Feyenoord in a deal worth a reported £7m. Now Selles is keen to try and bring in a replacement, according to the Sheffield Star.
Selles, the former Tigers boss, is a big fan of Hughes and has identified him as a potential replacement for Ahmedhodzic. He worked with Hughes at City last season with the pair playing pivotal roles in guiding the club to final-day safety at Portsmouth.
Hughes’ performances last season have attracted plenty of summer interest, not only from United, but elsewhere in the Championship, but City do not want to sell their prized asset, though their current transfer restrictions have left them vulnerable.
United have enquired about Hughes’ availability, while Hull Live understands Saturday’s opponents, Coventry City, have also shown interest, but nothing like what is needed to tempt the Championship club into having a serious conversation and as it stands, the door is closed.
The 21-year-old is viewed as a huge figure at the MKM Stadium and a key part of Sergej Jakirovic’s plans for the season ahead. City feel that Hughes has the potential to be more valuable than Jacob Greaves and is ready to make a big impact at Championship after an injury-hit first year at the club.
Throughout pre-season, Hughes has been the Tigers’ captain following the hamstring injury picked up by club skipper Lewie Coyle in the 2-1 comeback win over Istanbulspor early in their pre-season campaign.
Hughes is expected to start City’s opening game of the Championship season at the CBS Arena on Saturday, with one of John Egan, the former Blade, Semi Ajayi or Akin Famewo set to partner him.
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