HULL CITY: Will Doncaster's Billy Sharp fit the bill for Tigers?
HULL City could enter the race to sign Doncaster Rovers hitman Billy Sharp – with suggestions the striker is keen on a move to the KC Stadium.
The 25-year-old is one of the Championship's most highly-rated front-men, with a queue of clubs expected to bid for him when the transfer window opens next week.
Southampton, Leicester and Premier League Wigan are all thought to be lining up bids for his services.
However, sources have told the Mail Sharp's representatives have already approached City to let them know he would be interested in a move to East Yorkshire.
The news comes as caretaker boss Nicky Barmby and head of football Adam Pearson finalise their list of January transfer targets.
They already have a pledge from owners Assem and Ehab Allam to back them financially for a serious promotion push in the new year.
The Allams have also told the Mail they are willing to invest in a 'Premier League quality striker' as City look to claim a play-off spot at least.
With the Tigers riding high in the Championship, fans are keen to see an established goal poacher added to the ranks.
However, despite Sharp's interest, the Mail understands City are not yet fully convinced the former Scunthorpe and Sheffield United man fits into their current style of play, with a striker often effectively left to forage on his own up front.
Doncaster appear keen to cash in on the current demand for their man, despite him having netted nine goals this season in 16 games.
Chairman John Ryan recently chose to clarify Sharp's availability in January, but despite repeated talk of a £3m buy-out clause in Sharp's deal, the Mail has been told an offer closer to £2m may be enough.
City could prove the most attractive option to both Sharp and Doncaster given their current circumstances.
Sharp has already turned down a chance to move to Premier League chasing Southampton once in the summer.
They met Rovers' valuation but Sharp himself decided to remain at the Keepmoat Stadium, where he insists he remains happy, despite their ongoing battle against relegation.
And given the tragic loss of his two-day-old son Luey Jacob, who died in October, a long-distance move from his South Yorkshire roots may not be one he wants to make.
Premier League Wigan could be a tempting offer for Sharp, although their precarious position in the Premier League may work against them.
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-14267745-detail/story.html
HULL City could enter the race to sign Doncaster Rovers hitman Billy Sharp – with suggestions the striker is keen on a move to the KC Stadium.
The 25-year-old is one of the Championship's most highly-rated front-men, with a queue of clubs expected to bid for him when the transfer window opens next week.
Southampton, Leicester and Premier League Wigan are all thought to be lining up bids for his services.
However, sources have told the Mail Sharp's representatives have already approached City to let them know he would be interested in a move to East Yorkshire.
The news comes as caretaker boss Nicky Barmby and head of football Adam Pearson finalise their list of January transfer targets.
They already have a pledge from owners Assem and Ehab Allam to back them financially for a serious promotion push in the new year.
The Allams have also told the Mail they are willing to invest in a 'Premier League quality striker' as City look to claim a play-off spot at least.
With the Tigers riding high in the Championship, fans are keen to see an established goal poacher added to the ranks.
However, despite Sharp's interest, the Mail understands City are not yet fully convinced the former Scunthorpe and Sheffield United man fits into their current style of play, with a striker often effectively left to forage on his own up front.
Doncaster appear keen to cash in on the current demand for their man, despite him having netted nine goals this season in 16 games.
Chairman John Ryan recently chose to clarify Sharp's availability in January, but despite repeated talk of a £3m buy-out clause in Sharp's deal, the Mail has been told an offer closer to £2m may be enough.
City could prove the most attractive option to both Sharp and Doncaster given their current circumstances.
Sharp has already turned down a chance to move to Premier League chasing Southampton once in the summer.
They met Rovers' valuation but Sharp himself decided to remain at the Keepmoat Stadium, where he insists he remains happy, despite their ongoing battle against relegation.
And given the tragic loss of his two-day-old son Luey Jacob, who died in October, a long-distance move from his South Yorkshire roots may not be one he wants to make.
Premier League Wigan could be a tempting offer for Sharp, although their precarious position in the Premier League may work against them.
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-14267745-detail/story.html
