Brown still hopeful of signing duo

Hull manager Phil Brown is hoping to make progress in his attempts to sign free agents Stelios Giannakopoulos and Bernard Mendy this week.

Brown is unlikely to confirm any signings before he takes his squad for a pre-season training trip to Italy later this week but is keen to get deals in place.

Greece midfielder Stelios – a target for Liverpool three years ago – was recently released by Bolton while French right-back Mendy has been given a free transfer by Paris St Germain.

Brown told the Hull Daily Mail: “I’ve spoken with Stelios’ agent and the player is back in Greece at this moment in time.

“I’ve spoken at length with his agent and we’ll have an offer in place, probably on Wednesday.

“The plan of attack is that when we get back from Bormio, then he could join up with us if he decides it’s right for him.

“That’s the process that we’re going through but I’m expecting an answer from Bernard Mendy on Wednesday as well.”

Brown is keen to bolster his squad with a number of new players before the club’s first season in the Barclays Premier League begins on August 16.

The club have already agreed a deal with Derby to re-sign Craig Fagan, their former forward who ended last season on loan at the KC Stadium.

Brown has worked with both Stelios and Mendy in the past during his time as assistant manager at Bolton.

Mendy had a loan spell with the Trotters in 2002-03 while Euro 2004 winner Stelios joined Wanderers from Olympiacos in 2003.