Hull City could turn to Hart when club decide to start process of replacing axed Brown

The 57-year-old former Barnsley manager left Crystal Palace at the end of the season after steering the London side to safety in the Championship.

Palace's off-field problems, which almost caused the club to fold earlier this week, meant he had to walk away following the final-day escape from relegation and Hull are understood to have enquired about his availability.

Matters are, however, considerably complicated by Hull's own troubles with the priority at the KC Stadium remaining to plot a path through the financial mess caused by relegation from the Premier League.

Head of football operations Adam Pearson refused to be drawn when contacted by the Yorkshire Post on whether Hart was of interest to the club. But he did stress that a search for a successor to Phil Brown, who is on gardening leave but is still being paid due to having a year's contract still to run, remained on the back burner.

Pearson said: "Nothing will be moved forward in terms of the manager until Phil Brown's settlement is finalised.

"I can't see there being any movement in respect of a new manager – and by that I mean drawing up a shortlist – for at least another two weeks."

Hart's name being linked with Hull is likely to concern Iain Dowie, who ended last season in charge of the team and is keen to remain in the post.

Former Portsmouth manager Hart has a proven track record of developing young talent after productive spells in charge of both the Leeds United and Nottingham Forest academies, a quality that could appeal to the Tigers as they look to rebuild following relegation.

Meanwhile, City midfielder Jimmy Bullard has sounded out former team-mate – and Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch – about a possible move to Celtic. The 31-year-old is on 45,000 per week at the KC Stadium and Hull are desperate to off-load.

Celtic are understood to have enquired about a loan deal, though it is unclear how much of Bullard's wage the Scots will be willing to pay.

McCulloch said: "Jimmy has been on the phone quite a lot and he has asked me what it is like. He has been asking what life is like in Glasgow and if he would enjoy it.

"I have told him he would be idolised at Parkhead. The Celtic fans would take to him."