Hull City star Jacob Greaves is Ipswich Town’s top centre-back target this summer, The Telegraph has reported.
Hull City fell just short of the play-offs last season and after making the shock decision to sack Liam Rosenior and bring in Tim Walter, another promotion push is on the agenda.
The Tigers boast some impressive players in their ranks and with ambitious owner Acun Ilicali at the helm, some eye-catching targets are bound to be on the radar.
Keeping key players will be just as vital as recruitment though. One player who continues to draw interest is star defender Jacob Greaves, and fresh links with a Premier League move have emerged.
The Telegraph states that recently promoted Ipswich Town are eyeing Greaves as their top defensive target for the summer transfer window.
Kieran McKenna is a huge admirer of the 23-year-old centre-back. As he looks to bring in players capable of having an impact in the Premier League, Hull City academy graduate Greaves is viewed as someone ready to make the step up.
What has Ilicali said?
Hull City have the facilities to sign impressive players but keeping the likes of Greaves is bound to be key.
Ilicali is more than aware that he’s someone capable of rising to the Premier League though, and he has recently admitted that the Tigers will not stand in his way if a top-flight move is what he wants.
As quoted by The Yorkshire Post, he said earlier this month:
“Greaves wants to play in the Premier League and he’s such a nice boy.
“I love him as a character, he’s a real captain and I told him, ‘Greaves we need you, you are so good, please stay with us.’ But if his brain and soul is completely with another club, we will not stop him.”
His words come amid links with the likes of Everton, who have long kept Greaves in mind as a potential replacement for their own sought-after centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
Ready for the step up?
There’s no hiding that Greaves is a vital asset for Hull City, but he is someone who looks ready for the next step.
Ilicali and co will be hoping they can persuade the Cottingham-born defender to stay at the MKM Stadium to make that step with his long-term club.
However, with Premier League sides keen and another season in the Championship awaiting the Tigers, it would not be a surprise if Greaves was tempted up to the top-flight this summer.
Time will tell whether Ipswich Town or Everton test Hull City’s resolve with an offer though. Regardless, it will not be a surprise if this saga rumbles on for a little while yet.
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