The Tigers have offered a three-year deal to the versatile 26-year-old who is out of contract at Paris St Germain this summer, but face competition from Fulham, Celtic and Italian sides Sampdoria and Fiorentina.

Sources in France have, however, suggested to the Yorkshire Post that Mendy is leaning towards a move to Yorkshire, though last night Hull chairman Paul Duffen insisted: "All we can say at the moment is he is one of several we have been talking to in the past few weeks.

"Until the big boys make their move in the transfer market and leave the other clubs knowing what they need, it is a case of everyone having to be patient."

Hull, who return to pre-season training next week, are hoping the lure of linking up with Phil Brown once again will prove enough to tempt Mendy, who spent a season on loan with Bolton Wanderers in 2002-03. He made 21 top-flight appearances for Wanderers before returning to France and also boasts international experience with three French caps.

Hull are also interested in Plymouth winger Peter Halmosi – but face competition from Sheffield United and West Brom – and Spurs defender Anthony Gardner and Greece international Stelios Giannakopoulos.

The Yorkshire derby between Huddersfield Town and Bradford City in the Carling Cup first round will take place on Tuesday, August 12 at the Galpharm Stadium (7.45).