Hull City make transfer decision after being handed major setback

The Tigers look like being forced into some unexpected transfer activity

Hull City will go back into the transfer market in a bid to secure cover for stricken summer signing Jack Butland after it was revealed he could be sidelined until the New Year.

Butland damaged his arm in training on Friday before the Tigers flew out to Frankfurt for their penultimate friendly of the summer against the Bundesliga side, and did not travel.

City will now look to bring in cover for Butland, with the Tigers aiming to sign a goalkeeper on loan at least until January to ensure they are not left short.

Konstantinos Tzolakis made his debut against Eintracht in Germany and is now the favourite to start the opening game against Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday week, with Dillon Phillips providing cover.

Tzolakis played 90 minutes and looked positive on his first start, before Phillips came on and played the final 30 minutes in the 120-minute contest, which the Tigers lost 2-0.

Harvey Cartwright and Thimothee Lo-Tutala have been loaned out to Grimsby Town and Colchester United respectively, so City’s need to bring in another stopper has increased.

City fear Butland could be sidelined until the New Year, with an expectation that he will require surgery on his injury, which has come as a hammer blow to both him and the Tigers.