Hull City are back in front of their home supporters this weekend, as they welcome Oxford United to the MKM Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers held Coventry City to a 0-0 draw at the CBS Arena last weekend, before a dramatic fightback from Wrexham in the Carabao Cup saw the East Yorkshire outfit head out of the competition on penalties.
Sergej Jakirovic knows his side have to learn from the defeat, and he will be hoping that they can show some improvements when they face the U’s in just a few days’ time.
Nevertheless, with Hull still under a three-window transfer fee ban, signing new players has been difficult this summer. However, they have shown an interest in a Manchester United youngster, and their head coach has now commented on the situation.
Sergej Jakirovic explains why he wants Hull City to sign Toby Collyer
Sheffield Wednesday are also trying to sign Toby Collyer on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, but fresh comments from Jakirovic seem to suggest that the Tigers are leading the race for the young midfielder.
Manchester United's English midfielder #43 Toby Collyer (L) vies with Leicester City's Danish defender #16 Victor Kristiansen (R) during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Manchester United
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Hull have shown already this summer that they do have pulling power, as they beat both Sheffield United and Swansea City to the signing of Oli McBurnie, and their manager has explained the next steps with Collyer.
He said (via: Hull Live): “Number six or number eight position (Collyer can play). We’re waiting now for a decision from Man United and Toby as well. I’m waiting for the answer in the next one or two days.
“He needs the minutes, and with that, we will help him and he will help us. In a game, he can run 12km, he’s good on the ball and he’s a bit like Joel Ndala. He has a big potential, and he has hunger and ambition, and this is what we’re searching for.”
Sergej Jakirovic needs depth in midfield
Ozan Tufan was delighted that John Lundstram chose to sign for Hull, but there is no denying that Jakirovic still needs to bring in more cover in the middle of the park.
Collyer, who went on tour with Manchester United to Asia after a breakthrough year for the Red Devils, but he is in need of regular game time.
Therefore, a move to a club like Hull, who are limited in their transfer capabilities right now, would be perfect for all parties.
Bringing youth into the midfield is obviously something that Jakirovic is keen on, and a deal looks as though it is just around the corner, despite the Owls’ interest.