Why Hull have Tim Iroegbunam 'advantage' as Sergej Jakirovic speaks out on Everton ace

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic continues to keep tabs on Tim Iroegbunam at Everton.

The Englishman has long been linked with a move away from Merseyside.

That comes despite making his most appearances in a season for the Toffees last time around.

He was utilised regularly by David Moyes, even with Idrissa Gueye in there as the preferred option.

The Senegal international has already left and Iroegbunam could soon follow him out the door.

Hull have emerged as a potential destination for the defensive midfielder and Jakirovic has now made his feelings clear on a potential deal.

How Hull City have leg up in Tim Iroegbunam pursuit

The 23-year-old has never truly been a guaranteed starter since coming through the doors in L3.

There have been some limitations to his game that have often hampered his progress.

That has sparked links away from Merseyside, but his future continues to hang in the balance.

Things could soon step up as Hull's interest remains totally clear at this stage of the window.

Tigers boss Jakirovic has confirmed that his side are keeping tabs on Iroegbunam and believes his current contract situation plays into the newly promoted side's hands.

Speaking to BBC Humberside on Tuesday, he said: "I think there is progress in this player. I like him and how he’s playing.

"He’s played at this level and we need this type of profile for a midfielder and I hope we will sign him. But we will see - a loan or a permanent transfer.

"There is a lot of exchanging. First they want more [money] than we sent. Tim is in the last year of his contract, so that’s an advantage for us. He’s a great size, very dynamic player, powerful, pace, strong in the challenges and duels. We don’t have this profile."

How much could Everton demand for Iroegbunam?

It seems clear that Hull believe they can get their hands on the ex-Aston Villa man this summer.

Jakirovic is right that his contract situation will benefit the buying club as Everton could look to cash in while they can.

The question is, how much could they realistically bring in for a player who has made 52 appearances for them?

Reports from June suggested that Everton could accept £20million for Iroegbunam if an offer came in.

That sort of fee may become unrealistic as the window goes on.

It ultimately depends on whether the Blues want to sell or not

If they don't, Hull will simply have to match that fee or can forget about it.