Tigers admit interest in Ayala

Hull City have confirmed their interest in signing fledgling Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala, if financial restrictions allow.

Skysports.com reported last week that the Tigers were keen on Ayala, who has made five senior appearances since arriving on Merseyside from Sevilla in 2007.

A loan contract has now reportedly been approved by the Reds, who are keen for the youngster to get some first-team experience under his belt, but the Tigers are yet to finalise the deal.

City suffered a 3-1 defeat in Championship action at Doncaster on Saturday, highlighting a need to strengthen in defence, and 19-year-old Ayala tops manager Nigel Pearson's wish-list.

But the Tigers are working within strict financial guidelines set by head of football operations Adam Pearson, and could fail to complete the signing before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Missing the deadline would delay the capture of Ayala until September 8, when Football League clubs are permitted to trade in loans, but with City having conceded nine goals in three away games this campaign, assistant boss Craig Shakespeare is eager to wrap up the deal.

"There's an interest there but at the minute, nothing has been done," Shakespeare told This Is Hull and East Riding.

"He's one on a long list that we've spoken about.

"We'd like to do business but we understand the restrictions that the club have in terms of transfers.

"It won't be for the want of trying. You'd have to ask Adam Pearson but we'll be trying to bend his ear because we do want to add to the squad and get the quality of the squad up.

"To do that we might have to go into the transfer market."

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