Tigers may be chasing Davies

HULL City are considering a move for Derby County defender Curtis Davies, according to reports.

Football journalist Alan Nixon is speculating that the Tigers are eyeing a swoop for the Rams centre-back, who is out of contract next month and was named as the club’s player of the season.

Davies featured in all 46 League games for the Rams as they fought against relegation only to suffer the drop to League One.

Bristol City have also been linked with Davies, who won plaudits for his performances and leadership during a mentally demanding season.

Davies was part of the Tigers side which got to the 2014 FA Cup final and earned promotion to the Premier League in 2016.

He made 123 appearances for the Tigers, including four as substitute, between 2013 and 2017.

It is reported that Hull were keen on signing Davies last summer after their promotion from League One and while it was understood he was keen to return to East Yorkshire, a deal never materialised and he signed a new one-year deal at Derby.

The 37-year-old was also recommended to Tigers boss Shota Arveladze in January but City declined to make a move.

Rams boss Wayne Rooney cannot offer Davies a new contract at present, with the club still waiting for a takeover to be given a green light.

Chris Kirchner’s deal is inching closer to completion but there is a barrier in relation to Pride Park Stadium, owned by former chairman Mel Morris.

A deal has to be struck with Morris independently for Pride Park because it is not part of the administration process.

It has been reported that the ex-rams chairman wants £22m in order to sell it, although suggestions have also emerged that he would be happy to lease it back to the club.

For Rooney to start dealing in the transfer market, the takeover needs to be completed ahead of what is set to be a huge summer as the Rams prepare for life in League One.