Hull City move for former Manchester United midfielder

Hull City have tabled a bid for Rochdale’s former Manchester United midfielder Oliver Rathbone, according to Football Insider.

The 23-year-old signed for Rochdale in June 2016 after leaving Manchester United, a move he claims was the ‘best thing he has ever done‘.

He made his debut for Rochdale against Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy and initially penned a one-year-deal after arriving at the Crown Oil Arena. His impressive displays quickly led to a new three-year deal in June 2019. In total, he has appeared 131 times for Brian Barry-Murphy’s side, bagging 11 goals.

His father was also a well-known footballer. Mick Rathbone played as a full-back with Birmingham, Blackburn and Preston, before working on Everton’s coaching staff, handing down his knowledge and experience to his exciting son.

Hull have already splashed the cash this summer, signing Greg Docherty from Rangers. He arrived from Glasgow Rangers last week, with Lewie Coyle and Josh Emmanuel also strengthening the ranks of Grant McCann’s recently-relegated side. It is believed that Sunderland are also in the hunt for Rathbone, but Hull have looked to get ahead of them in the race for his signature.

However, it is also reported that the initial bid for Rathbone has been rejected by Rochdale, who have already lost Callum Camps this summer.

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Our View

We really liked the look of Rathbone last season, he made things tick in the middle of the park for Rochdale and they’ll be keen to keep him and watch him step up and replace the excellent Camps. 

However, money talks and there’s every chance that a good bid will give Dale a helping hand in their own recruitment drive. thus far this summer, Dale have added just one new face, namely Alex Newby. They’ve lost Jordan Williams to Blackpool, with Josh Lillis, Ryan McLaughlin, MJ Williams, Calvin Andrew, Camps, Aaron Wilbraham, Matty Gillam and Ian Henderson all leaving at the end of their contracts.

They may need a cash injection to kickstart their recruitment, which plays into Hull City’s hands.