Bruce keeps managerless Hull City waiting over offer

The former Sunderland and Wigan Athletic manager is the Tigers’ number one target to replace Nick Barmby but remains in the running for jobs in the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and Norwich City are all without managers while Championship rivals Birmingham City – another of Bruce’s former clubs – may also be in the market soon.

Bruce, 51, was originally lined-up for a return to Wigan but that door closed when Roberto Martinez missed out on a move to Liverpool.

As reported yesterday, Bruce was offered the Hull job on Tuesday after talks with Hull’s owners, the Allam family.

His record of two promotions to the top-flight at Birmingham and his ability to keep both Wigan and Sunderland in the Premier League over the last five years weighed heavily in his favour.

A spokesman for the Allam family last night confirmed that negotiations were still on-going with ‘two’ candidates. Just how long they are prepared to wait, however, for Bruce’s answer is unclear.

The Tigers had been linked with a host of managers since Barmby’s sacking last month for alleged comments about investment in the team.

Carlisle United’s Greg Abbott and Brentford’s Uwe Rosler figured highly in the reckoning while Kevin Blackwell, Billy Davies and Lee Clark were also keen on the post.

Former Manchester United captain Bruce – who also managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace – has spent the last seven months out of football since being sacked by Sunderland.