Mendy keen on Hull switch

Bernard Mendy admits he is looking forward to reuniting with Hull coach Phil Brown as his move to the KC Stadium nears completion.

The 26-year-old, whose contract with Paris St Germain expired this summer, spent a season at Bolton in 2002, where Brown was assistant coach.

He believes that link and the prospect of playing in the Premier League again are exciting challenges.

“The sporting project is ambitious and interesting,” Mendy told L’Equipe. “I’m happy to go back to England.

“And above all I’ll be meeting up again with Phil Brown, who was the assistant coach at Bolton when PSG loaned me out there. That counted a lot.

“The club are searching for other French footballers and have signed Giovanni from Manchester City.”

Mendy, whose three-year deal at Hull is expected to be confirmed imminently, admits his eight-year spell at PSG ended on a sour note.

He scored a penalty in the last minute of extra time to send his side into the Coupe de la Ligue final – which they won – but was unhappy with the contract extension being offered.

“The coach wanted me only if his transfer plans failed,” Mendy added. “And, moreover, I had to lower my salary.

“I was considered a bit like a back-up plan – that’s not very agreeable.”

The defender also hopes the move can resurrect his international career, despite his last appearance for France coming four years ago.

“It’s always at the back of my mind,” he added. “I maybe rested on my laurels at PSG.

“I needed another challenge. Here it is.”