Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has revealed the club will select the most suitable choice from three candidates for the right-back position after submitting a bid for Torino’s Norwegian defender Marcus Pedersen, with discussions about additional signings ongoing.
The Norwegian international, who represented his nation at the World Cup, features on the Tigers’ shortlist, though the club has already seen an initial offer worth approximately 5m euros turned down.
It is anticipated the Premier League newcomers will come back with an enhanced proposal for the 26-year-old, who is believed to be enthusiastic about the prospect of competing in the top flight, while the East Yorkshire club do have a couple of other possibilities to consider.
The Hull manager told Hull Live that Marcus Pedersen is a capable player who featured at the World Cup, but the club has three alternatives available in that position, so they will opt for whoever suits them best.
Jakirovic also mentioned that talks with owner Acun Ilicali and chief executive Mustapha Yokes regarding transfer bids remain frequent, although he acknowledged that finances, as always, determine the pace of progress.
The manager noted that discussions with Mustapha Yokes (chief executive) are ongoing. He believes the Chairman attended the Olimpija against Maribor match afterwards, and they communicate by telephone daily. There’s a strong working relationship, and they’re deliberating over every position and all potential signings, so they’ll have to wait and see. It always comes down to finances.
The manager expressed satisfaction at welcoming back Joe Gelhardt, whose permanent move back to the club from Leeds United was finalized on Saturday. Gelhardt is currently unavailable for a brief period due to an ankle injury, yet his return has generated considerable enthusiasm among fans.
The Croatian added that the club is fully aware of what Joffy (Joe Gelhardt) brings and he knows their setup completely. He settled in wonderfully before and the manager is hopeful he will help them achieve some impressive numbers.