Wanna be A Tiger? #1

Brad Guzan (Goalkeeper) 

The USA international was released by Aston Villa in May 2012 after failing to agree a new contract. Guzan enjoyed a loan spell with Nigel Pearson's Tigers in 2010/11 and that solid if unspectacular spell means he'd get a warm welcome if he returned to the KC. Steve Bruce confirmed his interest but believes that Guzan will return to Aston Villa under new manager Paul Lambert. Not happening.

Credibility of rumour?: Michael Turner
Likelihood of happening?: As likely as Hull hosting the 2016 Olympics.

Ben Amos (Goalkeeper) 

Amos is a 22 year old Manchester United youth product. He's been capped by England at all junior levels but has so far made just 1 league appearance for United. following unproductive loan spells at Peterborough United and Molde (Norway) he enjoyed a spell at Oldham Athletic in 2011 making 16 appearances. He moved above Tomasz Kuszczak in the pecking order at United last season. The link is an obvious one given the tigers close links with United in recent seasons but a long-term loan would leave United with only two senior 'keepers.

Credibility: Gary Brabin
Likelihood: As likely as Liverpool winning the FA Cup.

Vito Mannone (Goalkeeper) 

 

Arsenal's Italian stopper has long been fancied to fulfill the gaping hole in the Tigers squad. He made 10 appearances for City on loan in 2010/11 impressing most with his quick distribution and decisive nature. He returned a year later for a second loan spell and made 21 appearances. The longer spell saw his form vary to a greater degree and he made a couple of key errors. He recovers quickly from such errors as he proved at Portsmouth last season where he made several key stops despite gifting Pompey their opening goal. Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest and Mannone has stated in the past that he'd love to come to Hull permanently. The sticking point is the transfer fee with Arsenal said to want £1m. An incentive based package might appease both parties.

Credibility: Dean Windass
Likelihood: As likely as Arsene Wenger being a reasonable man.

Paddy Kenny (Goalkeeper) 

 

Barely worthy of a mention due to the tenuous nature of the link. At the most, Hull City are being used to force more money out of Leeds United. Leeds being the expected destination of the ex-fat boy goalkeeper who's followed Neil Warnock up and down the country to Bury, Sheffield United and QPR. He might have followed him to Crystal Palace if not for his 9 month drugs ban in 2009. Has form with the Tigers supporters after his gloating in a sickening 2-3 defeat at Bramall Lane in 2005/06.

Credibility: Chris Lee
Likelihood: Sod likely, this one's about as welcome as a fart in a white telephone box.

Michael Keane (Defender) 

 

Another Manchester United junior linked with a move to join the massive band of former Reds at Hull City. The 19-year old was the reserve team player of the year at Old Trafford last year and also interests Blackburn Rovers. His arrival would be welcome at the KC with a temporary void in the centre of defence needing to be filled until Jack Hobbs returns from injury. His twin brother Will is a hot-prospect at Old Trafford with the striker already having made 3 appearances for England's U21's. Michael has represented Ireland at 3 junior levels but has since switched allegiance to England and appeared for the national U19 squad.

Credibility: Junior Lewis
Likelihood: As Likely as Phil Brown visiting Tanfastic in the next month.

Paul Coutts (Midfielder) 

 

Box to box midfielder who was rescued from the junior football system in Scotland by Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United. He played a key role in Posh's promotion to the Championship (alongside current Tiger Aaron McLean) but followed his manager to Preston North End in January 2010. Ferguson's Preston career ended rather abruptly and despite being a regular under Phil Brown, Coutts is surplus to requirements following Graham Westley's transfer revolution. Preston will want to lose his wages from their budget so he could be available for £400,000. Brown thinks he could eventually play in the Premier League. So he's probably rubbish!

Credibility: Damien Delaney
Likelihood: As likely as Steve Bruce leaving for a bigger job before Easter.

Ryan Tunnicliffe (Midfielder) 

 

Tough central midfielder schooled at Old Trafford. The 19 year old is an England youth international. He spent the first half of the 2011/12 season on loan at Peterbroough playing 26 times but returned to Manchester United after Christmas. Said to interest Blackburn Rovers too.

Credibility: Marc Joseph
Likelihood: As Likely as a bloke halting Hull's green revolution to save an antique crane.

Emile Heskey (Striker) 

 

Former England international is available on a free transfer after being released by Aston Villa. He was linked with a move to the Tigers an hour after Steve Bruce's unveiling having worked with the new manager at Birmingham and Wigan. Bruce has signed him once and sold him twice. The link appeared to be the media putting two and two together and Bruce's has stated that this is the case. I've never been confident of the Tigers attracting the former Leicester and Liverpool star and I still feel the opportunity to link up with former boss Martin O'Neill (and stay in the Premier League) at Sunderland or the to stay in the midlands with Wolves might appeal to him more. Heskey is a bit of a figure of fun in top level football given his low goal return and his ability to occasionally miss an unmissible chance but he's an experienced and powerful front player who's still in good shape and would provide a good foil for Fryatt or McLean.

Credibility: Stuart Green
Likelihood: As likely as City signing Alvaro Negredo for £12m.

Nick Proschwitz (Striker) 

 

Gangly German target man was unheard of in Hull until a few days ago. Plays in the second Bundesliga for Paderborn for whom he scored 17 times in 33 games last season. A product of Hannover's reserve side, he arrived at Paderborn via Vaduz of Liechtenstein and Thun and Lucern in Switzerland. Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest but any deal is at an early stage. A transfer fee will be required but it shouldn't be too significant. Transfer fees in Germany are much lower than those in England, unless the buying club is Bayern Munich when a "no-one likes you" premium is added.

Credibility: Bo Myhill
Likelihood: As likely as a 10-year old from East Hull being ejected from the South Stand for swearing next season.