The never-ending transfer saga surrounding Brentford’s Andre Gray has taken yet more twists. After earlier today we you how Gray has rejected a move to Bristol City, Hull City boss Steve Bruce has confirmed to the BBC that the striker isn’t likely to be his next signing.
Following last night’s 2-1 home win over Fulham, Bruce revealed that the clubs are simply far too apart regarding their valuation of the player,
“It’s pretty straightforward, we have not matched their valuation. It’s frustrating but that is football management. I think he’d be a terrific asset for us, but unfortunately it is not to be.”
Bruce did reveal to the Hull Daily Mail that whilst the club aren’t prepared to bid the £9million that Brentford are asking for at this moment in time, that may change in the future, however it is out of his control,
“We’ve known for long enough now how much it’s going to cost. We haven’t been prepared to meet Brentford’s valuation. Bristol (City) have and if we’re going to revisit it, you’re asking the wrong person.”
There is better news for the Tigers however with news that former Celtic and Aston Villa forward Shaun Maloney is very close to agreeing a deal to sign from MLS side Chicago Fire. Bruce believes the transfer isn’t far away from being concluded,
“We believe it is close now. We’ve made progress on that. He’s hot quality from wide areas and he’s played at the highest level. He’s got a glowing reference from Gordon Strachan, so he could give us a little bit of quality and experience.”
Whilst Bruce is hoping to conclude the signing of Maloney and potential add more to his squad, whilst hoping to avoid others leaving the club, he insists he’d be more than happy for no more business to take place,
“If we’ve got what we’ve got now, I’m very confident we will mount a challenge. If we lose four or five, then we’re in trouble. That’s my fear and that’s me being brutally honest. That’s what we’ve got to guard against. I hope it doesn’t come down to the last few days and we lose players.”
This certainly won’t be the last we hear about Andre Gray before the September 1st transfer deadline and we’ll certainly witness plenty of speculation surrounding the in’s and out’s at the KC Stadium.