Phelan: Hull waiting over news on ‘two or three bids’

Hull caretaker boss Mike Phelan admits the club are waiting to hear back from clubs amid reports they are chasing Everton’s Oumar Niasse and Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez.

The club have been linked with forwards Niasse, who has been told to leave Everton, Moussa Konate and Nemanja Nikolic, while there is also reported interest in a loan move for Southampton forward Rodriguez.

“At the moment we’ve bid for two or three players,” Phelan said. “Those bids are out there it’s up to those clubs now whether they accept. We’re playing a waiting game.”

Despite his caretaker status Phelan is having a say in the players Hull are tracking as the club’s Allam family owners look to do business despite the prospect of them selling to Chinese investors.

He said: “There has been talk of players between me and the owner and it’s just a case now of are they available, what price are they and can we do it?”

Phelan also expects Hull’s dealings to go down to transfer deadline day, adding: “It looks that way. Every day that goes by now is another day towards that.

“We’ve done well to get one result. Anyone who wants to join Hull can see what this group of players can offer – it just needs the additions.

“The days are ticking away and we’ve had a lot of time to resolve these matters and that hasn’t happened.

“This club defintely needs players. That’s not changed.”

Phelan had just 13 fit players against Leicester, and while Harry Maguire returned to training this week he may not be risked.

The caretaker boss added: “He’s been introduced back into the squad but whether he’ll be available tomorrow is maybe a push. “Next week onwards he should be okay.”