The Tigers are desperate to keep their highly-rated defender at the MKM Stadium
Charlie Hughes battles Brandon Thomas-Asante earlier this season at the CBS Arena(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Hull City have turned down the latest bid for defender Charlie Hughes from Championship rivals Coventry City, with the Tigers determined to keep the defender at the MKM Stadium.
Coventry have already seen bids of £4m and £7m rejected by the Tigers, and their latest bid is understood to be in the region of £10m, but again, it has been rebuffed.
City remain determined to keep Hughes at the MKM Stadium beyond Monday night’s transfer deadline, with the 21-year-old viewed as an integral part of Sergej Jakirovic’s squad this season, and it’s understood the powerful centre back is happy in East Yorkshire and not pushing for a move.
Owner Acun Ilicali believes Hughes could be worth as much as £20m next summer, if he enjoys a strong season at the MKM Stadium, with head coach Jakirovic suggesting his next move should be to the Premier League.
Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard is a huge fan of Hughes and is keen to get him to the CBS Arena and help bolster their bid to win promotion to the top flight, but the Tigers remain steadfast in their determination to rebuff any further interest.
It remains to be seen if Coventry, who drew 0-0 with City on the opening day in the Midlands, come back in for the ex-Wigan Athletic academy graduate ahead of the 7pm deadline on Monday night, but Ilicali remains determined to keep Hughes.
The Tigers’ situation is further complicated by the fact that the club are working under strict transfer restrictions, which means they cannot buy players or pay loan fees. City were hit with a three-window ban by the EFL earlier this summer, which was reduced to two on appeal.
After missing last Saturday’s defeat by Blackburn Rovers through the illness which swept through the camp, Hughes is back fit and available for this weekend’s trip to Bristol City.
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