Bruce: I tried to sign Welbeck

Steve Bruce revealed he tried to sign Danny Welbeck for Hull in the summer, but has no doubt he has the class to thrive at the highest level with Arsenal.

Tigers boss Bruce has history with the England striker, having taken him to Sunderland on loan in 2010-11, and was keen to renew their acquaintance when it became was clear that Welbeck’s United days were numbered.

He admits Hull’s interest never got past an initial enquiry, with heavyweight suitors from home and abroad vying for the 23-year-old’s signature, and accepts the player deserves to be among the Champions League elite.