Hull hopeful of securing Ayala

Nigel Peearson has confirmed Hull City are waiting to hear if a bid for Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala has been successful.

The Tigers have made six signings already this summer but are still keen to add the 20-year-old to their ranks.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish is believed to rate Ayala in the £1m bracket but it is not known whether Hull agree with that valuation.

Ayala spent three months on loan at the KC Stadium last season and impressed in 12 appearances before returning to Anfield at Christmas. He subsequently moved to Derby County on loan.

Pearson wants to increase his options at centre-half with Paul McShane recently being ruled out for up to three months, leaving just Jack Hobbs and James Chester along with youngster Sonny Bradley available to Hull's manager.

He said: "Ayala is a target and we have put a bid in. The clubs are in discussion and we will see how that develops."

Asked if he expects to bring in a new face before tomorrow night when Hull kick off the Football League season with a home game against Blackpool, Pearson replied: "I never rule anything in or out but I would say it is unlikely (before Friday)."

Source: Yorkshire Post

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