Tigers eyeing Kilbane

PHIL BROWN has admitted Hull City want Kevin Kilbane, but has warned Wigan Athletic that a deal will depend on the valuation of the Ireland international being lowered.

The Tigers manager is keen to bolster his squad during the January transfer window and is a long-standing admirer of the former Sunderland and Everton wideman.

Brown has made an enquiry to Latics counterpart Steve Bruce about a player whose involvement at the JJB this season has largely been restricted to cameos from the bench and is believed to have been quoted a price of around £1million.

It seems, however, there could be room for manoeuvre in terms of the fee with sources in Wigan indicating that Kilbane’s contract running out in the summer is likely to force Bruce’s hand. Brown said: “I am interested in Kevin and I have spoken to Steve Bruce.

“He has been a great part of Wigan’s success story and played Premier League football for a number of years.

“The balance we have not got on the left-hand side is because of the injuries to Andy Dawson and Anthony Gardner. The only other real left-footer we have in the squad is Peter Halmosi.

“Where Kevin is concerned, he can play left-back, left-hand side of midfield or left wing. But the figures that are being bandied around are too expensive, in my opinion, for a lad his age.

“Whatever transfer fee we pay would be a no return fee other than a couple of years in the Premier League.”

Kilbane, 31, is one of a number of players that City are keeping tabs on, though Brown has denied media reports that a fee had been agreed with West Ham United for Portuguese forward Luis Boa Morte.