Hull City manager Steve Bruce is reportedly considering a summer swoop for two of his former players, with Darren Bent and Phil Bardsley on a shortlist of transfer targets.
Bent is up for sale in the close season after falling out of favour with Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, with the forward attracting interest from a number of clubs including Newcastle United.
Bruce is prepared to meet Bent's transfer valuation of around £6m and hijack Newcastle's move for the England international, according to The Mirror, with the 29-year-old's high wages the only major barrier to a move.
Sunderland full-back Bardsley is also reported to be a target for the Tigers following the Scottish international's public spat with Black Cats manager Paolo Di Canio.
Hull believe that they can sign Bardsley in a cut-price deal if Sunderland want to offload, with the chance of first-team football in the Premier League a strong incentive.
Besiktas goalkeeper Allan McGregor is also reportedly close to agreeing a move to the KC Stadium, as Hull look to build a squad capable of competing in the top flight next season.
Liam Power
