Transfer gossip: Hull, Blades, Barnsley, Owls, Bradford

The Nigerian international has proved a big hit in the opening months of the campaign for the Tigers, impressing many onlookers with his performances in the club’s flying start to the Premier League season.

Manager Steve Bruce has spoken about his desire to sign up the forward to a longer-term deal, with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2013-14 season and the clock starting to tick regarding his future.

Aluko himself remains open to a long-term stay in East Yorkshire.

Sheffield United’s hierarchy remain hopeful of appointing David Weir’s full-time successor before Saturday’s home clash with Port Vale and an announcement could be made within 24 hours.

Former Derby manager Nigel Clough remains strong favourite for the post, although his current priority is believed to be agreeing a severance deal with the Rams following his shock axing.

Crawley Town chief and ex-Rotherham United striker Richie Barker, MK Dons manager Karl Robinson and former Blades player Keith Curle - all linked with the post in the summer before Weir got the nod - are among other names linked along with Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade.

Barnsley defender Scott Wiseman is reportedly ready to pledge his international allegiance to Gibratar, with the 27-year-old qualifying for the Mediterranean territory through his mother, who was born there.

Gibraltar were granted UEFA membership earlier this year and they will feature for the first time in qualifying for Euro 2016, which begins in less than 12 months.

Wiseman’s agent Lee Philpott said: “His mother was born there and as soon as they were granted UEFA status, it obviously becomes important.”

Meanwhile, Reds boss David Flitcroft is intensifying his quest to sign a left-back on loan ahead of Saturday’s home encounter with Middlesbrough.

Flitcroft has spoken about having three current options, having been linked with several players in the past month or so, including Leeds United’s Aidan White, following the sale of left-sided defender/midfielder Scott Golbourne to Wolves.

Flitcroft, who currently has five players on loan at Oakwell, said: “We are still looking for a left-back as our final loan signing. We have options one, two and three. Option one is a Premier League player, option two is a Championship player who is not getting games and option three is a youngster from the Premier League.”

Sheffield Wednesday have completed the signing of fourth-choice Arsenal goalkeeper Damian Martinez, 21, on a month’s loan.

Former Bradford City club captain Ricky Ravenhill is set to leave Valley Parade on loan due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

The ex-Doncaster Rovers midfielder has asked to go out on loan, with City boss Phil Parkinson having confirmed his name has been circulated.

Parkinson said: “Ricky is a terrific professional and loves playing. He has just been frustrated that his chances have been limited so far this season.

“He is aware that his contract is up at the end of the season and he feels he needs to play some games to help him earn another one.

“I can understand that and when the sheet with his name lands on managers’ desks, I know there will not be a shortage of offers.”

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