Championship side Hull City could face losing another key player amid reports that multiple Premier League clubs are interested in centre-back Jacob Greaves.
According to the Football Insider, West Ham United have been joined by newly promoted side Ipswich Town in the race to sign the young Englishman from The Tigers.
Greaves has been with his current club since 2019 but spent the first year on loan with League Two side Cheltenham Town, where he made 35 appearances for the Robins. The Cottingham-born player has since made over 150 appearances for his hometown club Hull.
A crucial part of the side in their Championship campaign last season, the defender played 43 times and scoring two goals in the process. According to the club website, the 23-year-old’s current contract runs out in the summer of 2026, after signing a new four-year deal back in 2022.
Also according to the report, stalled talks for the centre-back between the Tigers and West Ham have opened the potential for another club to swoop in, and this club could be the Tractor Boys, who are back in the Premier League after back-to-back promotions.
Bolstering their defensive units seems to be a priority for Kieran McKenna’s men, who have recently been reported to be holding interest in ex-Leeds United loanee Joe Rodon as Tottenham look to potentially move the Welshman on this summer.
For the Hammers, their attention seems to have been focused elsewhere, as the appointment of Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui has had a significant impact on recruitment as the club look to build on their previous campaign.
Writer’s View
Whilst the Tigers continue to fight for promotion under ambitious Turkish owner Acun Ilicali, the prospect of Premier League football may be enough to turn Greaves’ head away. From Hull City’s perspective, losing such a key player will be a massive blow going into next season for the Tigers.
From an Ipswich perspective, bringing in a centre-back who despite his age, is still experienced could prove pivotal if the Tractor Boys want to stay in the Premier League. For the Irons, similarly, it is clear that they require defensive reinforcements, and bringing in a young, left-footed centre-back may act to balance their ageing defence.
