Hull of a battle: Premier League new boys want to sign Irons target Rhodes

Newly promoted Hull are planning to gazumph West Ham's proposed move for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes, according to the Daily Mirror this morning.

The Tigers sealed promotion to the Premier League on the last day of the season with a dramatic last-day draw with champions Cardiff, and manager Steve Bruce is eager to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season in the top flight.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce meanwhile, is a big fan of Scotland international Rhodes, having previously tried to sign him last season when the pacy frontman was at Huddersfield, and was linked last month with a summer swoop for the Rovers star, who has lit up Ewood Park with 28 goals in a drab season for Blackburn.

The Lancashire club signed the 23 year old for £8m last summer and with money tight, could be tempted to sell for less than that this summer. Hull are understood to want Rhodes on the cheap and are readying a £4m bid.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Giant keeper after big move: Pantilimon set for City exit as Irons linked

Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has today told the Sun that he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium- and the word is that the Boleyn Ground could be his next destination.

Blowing Bubbles exclusively reported to you in March that West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was keen on the 6ft 8 Romania international and now the 26 year looks set for a move away from Manchester.

"I am happy here at City but it is normal that I want to play- I am only young," Pantilimon said today.

"Everyone knows that after the season is finished, I will leave but [that] discussion will only come after the season is finished."

"It is important for my country as well as my career, because every time I speak to my national team manager [Victor Piturca] he says 'please try to play more'. My agent will discuss it with the manager and we will see what happens."

Pantilimon is now the fourth goalkeeper to be linked with the Hammers in recent days, after reports yesterday and on Tuesday crediting Allardyce with an interest in Aston Villa's Brad Guzan, Queens Park Rangers' Julio Cesar and Blackburn's Jake Kean.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Jake's no fake: Irons want to sign Blackburn keeper Kean

West Ham are interested in bringing Blackburn goalkeeper Jake Kean to the Boleyn Ground, according to the East London and West Essex Guardian.

The young stopper has been a shining light in a dismal season for Rovers in the Championship and has become first choice for the Ewood Park club after pushing himself ahead of former England international Paul Robinson in the pecking order for the Lancashire outfit.

Now, the 22 year old could be set for a Premier League move as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce prepares to raid his old club. Kean is now the third goalkeeper to be linked with the East London club in the last 24 hours, despite the adamance of a club source yesterday that 'a high profile goalkeeper' is unlikely to be on Allardyce's 'agenda.'

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling