Hull City reject Middlesbrough offer for defender Jacob Greaves

HULL CITY vice-chairman Tan Kesler has confirmed that Championship rivals Middlesbrough have enquired about the prospect of signing highly-rated defender Jacob Greaves.

The Hull-born centre-half, son of former Tigers player Mark, has impressed many onlookers with his progress over the past two seasons, with the 21-year-old enjoying an outstanding first full season at second-tier level last term.

His form has not gone unnoticed at rival clubs in the Championship and in the Premier League, while England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley also confirmed in the spring that he was also being monitored in regards to future international recognition.

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The City hierarchy revealed earlier this summer that they were speaking with Greaves and fellow academy product Brandon Fleming regarding the prospect of him signing a long-term contract.

Hull City's Jacob Greaves and Nottingham Forest's Alex Mighten battle for the ball. Picture: PAHull City's Jacob Greaves and Nottingham Forest's Alex Mighten battle for the ball. Picture: PA
Hull City's Jacob Greaves and Nottingham Forest's Alex Mighten battle for the ball. Picture: PA

Greaves’s current deal runs until next summer, although the club have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Speaking to BBC, Kesler said: “Jacob played all our games and kind of wants to see himself at a certain level – him and his dad.

“We see him on a progressive level. To prove my point, I just got a phone call from Middlesbrough.

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“Not just meaning two weeks ago. They asked me about his current situation and would we consider selling him.

“We said ‘sure, we will listen to any offers’. They came back with some numbers that were not even significant to what our investment (valuation) is. So we said no. Other than that, I did not receive any official offers for Jacob or Brandon (Fleming).”

Meanwhile, City have completed the signing of Turkish international midfielder Ozan Tufan from Fenerbahce on an initial three-year deal.

Tufan, 27, capped 65 times by his country, will reportedly cost a fee in the region of £4m and has become the club’s second official addition of the summer following on from the capture of experienced defender Tobias Figueiredo.

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Rotherham United have added their second wing-back option in the space of just over a week after sealing the signing of Lincoln City’s Cohen Bramall.

The 26-year-old has become the club’s fifth close-season capture in the process following earlier deals to bring in fellow wing-back Peter Kioso, central defender Jamie McCart and forwards Tom Eaves and Conor Washington.

Crewe-born Bramall has signed a three-year deal with the Millers and joins for an undisclosed fee.

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