The Tigers are determined to keep hold of their star asset
Hull City have rejected two bids from Coventry City for in-demand defender Charlie Hughes, with the club unwilling to sell their star man to a Championship rival.
The Sky Blues, who entertain City in their opening game of the Championship season on Saturday lunchtime, are understood to have lodged two bids for Hughes.
Hull Live understands a bid of £4m was made by Coventry and immediately rejected, before another increased offer of £7m came in from the Midlands outfit after their interest was first revealed on Tuesday.
That was also quickly knocked back, with City not preparing to entertain any offers that fall well below their valuation of the player.
Former City boss Ruben Selles remains a big fan of Hughes and would like to bring him to Sheffield United, but their interest has also been rebuffed by the determined Tigers.
City do not want to sell Hughes this summer, but accept that if they do not win promotion to the Premier League this term, keeping the 21-year-old in 12 months’ time will be tough. It is understood Hughes is happy at the MKM Stadium and is not pushing for a move away and is focused on the Championship campaign ahead.
Sergej Jakirovic has spoken publicly to say former Wigan Athletic youngster, who arrived in a £3.5m deal from Wigan Athletic a year ago, is not for sale and those comments have been echoed by owner Acun Ilicali privately.
Bosses at the MKM Stadium rate Hughes highly, and believe that in 12 months’ time, if he were to move on, would command a fee in excess of the £17m Ipswich Town paid for Jacob Greaves last summer. They believe that after a full Championship campaign under Sergej Jakirovic, Hughes value will be in excess of £20m and move to the Premier League.
Ilicali has always maintained that he will not stand in anyone’s way if they want to leave, as was the case with Greaves, Jaden Philogene and Ozan Tufan, but Hughes is not in that category.
Hughes enjoyed a good campaign last term despite the Tigers’ struggles, but his season was hampered by two lengthy injury spells, which restricted him to 27 appearances. His one goal was a memorable one, coming in stoppage time at Sheffield Wednesday to seal a hugely important 1-0 win.
Despite his injury troubles and City’s struggles, Hughes was named the club’s Young Player of the Year at the end of the season, following in the footsteps of Greaves.
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