HULL’S HARRY HOUDINI

Tigers defender says January sales will do the trick

HARRY MAGUIRE claims Hull can still pull off the great escape – if they get help in January.

Despite winning their first two games, the Tigers have slipped to second from bottom and are three points from safety with just one victory in their last 14 matches.

After the 3-0 midweek drubbing at Tottenham, the EFL Cup semifinalists hope to avoid more capital punishment today as they travel to West Ham.

The ownership of the club is still up in the air and boss Mike Phelan is far from guaranteed big funds in next month’s transfer window.

But Maguire, 23, believes City do not have to break the bank as long as they bolster their squad in the right areas.

He said: “Before the season we were written off as the favourites

to go down, but ® we’ve always had great belief that we’re good enough to stay in this league.

“We believe that with the squad we have now, and with a few additions in January, we can stay in this division.

Boost

“I don’t think it needs a lot and I’m sure the gaffer knows what’s required. It’s a couple of additions in the right areas to help us.”

Shot-shy Hull have failed to score on the road in the Premier League for more than two months.

But they hope the return of striker Dieumerci Mbokani from a three-match ban will help boost their goal threat. Tigers defender Maguire added: “Dieu’s a big, strong lad and we haven’t had a player like him for a few seasons.

“He gives us the option of the out-ball because he’s good at holding it up to relieve pressure when we’re under the cosh.

“Our performances have picked up in the last couple of games but we must start taking our chances.”

Hull have handed Manchester United a 3,800 ticket allocation for next month’s EFL Cup last-four clash at the KCOM Stadium.

The Tigers came in for strong criticism from Newcastle fans who were given only 2,400 seats for last month’s quarter-final tie, which was played out in front of almost 10,000 empty seats.