Robins linked with loan swoop for Hull defender

CHELTENHAM Town are one of three teams chasing the loan signing of Hull City defender Festus Arthur, writes Jon Palmer.

Arthur arrived at the Tigers a year ago in a £50,000 deal from Stockport County and is highly-rated by Hull head coach and ex-Robins midfielder Grant McCann, having been handed a three-year contract.

Newly-promoted League One side Cheltenham and League Two pair Carlisle United and Oldham Athletic are the clubs reported to be keen on the Hamburg-born defender, 20.

The German made two Papa John’s Trophy appearances for the Tigers last term and was on the bench in the FA Cup.

He was set for a loan switch in the January transfer window until a knee problem saw his involvement in the season ended prematurely.

A move to Cheltenham would see him link up with former Tiger Elliot Bonds, who completed a permanent move to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium last month.

“Festus has been phenomenal for Stockport this season,” McCann told the Hull Daily Mail after bringing him to the club last year.

“He’s played men’s football from 18. He’s a 6ft 3in commanding centre-back, can pass the ball left foot, right foot. We’re pleased to get him because there was a lot of interest, even from the Premier League.

“I went to meet him before lockdown and explained what he’s coming into. Hopefully that did the trick because it’s done and dusted.

“It will take time for him to adjust to this level, but to have played so many games at such a young age... I watched him train with the Under23s and he’s got real authority about him and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Cheltenham begin their pre-season campaign away to Cinderford this afternoon (3pm).