Hull City ‘edging closer’ to deal for Manchester United Luton Town and AFC Bournemouth-linked star.
Hull City are reportedly edging closer to the signing of Ecuadorian starlet Oscar Zambrano.
Aged just 20, Zambrano has established himself as a key figure for L.D.U. Quito in his native Ecuador. He represents his country at under-20 level and has previously been linked with an array of English clubs.
Manchester United have been credited with interest, while there have also been links with the likes of AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town. However, according to Hull Live, Zambrano could be Yorkshire-bound.
Hull are said to be in talks over a deal for the young talent, who they are believed to have had their eye on for a considerable period of time. Reports suggested the midfielder came close to a move to England in January, with Bournemouth and Luton said to have been ready to pay over £4m.
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It will not come as a surprise to see Hull looking for exciting prospects having lost their two most coveted assets. Jacob Greaves and Jaden Philogene were already key figures for the Tigers but still had time on their side as young players.
Greaves has signed for Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, while Philogene has sealed a return to his former club Aston Villa.
On the incomings front, Hull have made Ryan Giles’ loan deal permanent and recruited Cody Drameh from Leeds United. They have also bolstered at youth level, signing the likes of Noah Wadsworth from Bradford City and Pharrell Brown from Fleetwood Town.
Luton Town Place Eight Figure Price Tag on Forward.
Luton Town have set an asking price of £10 million for Tahith Chong this summer as the forward continues to attract interest from Premier League and European teams.
According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Hatters have already listened to bids on Chong from several top-flight teams and others from abroad. In addition, Plettenberg stated that Luton could demand an eight-figure fee for their 24-year-old attacker
Chong was a regular in the Hatters 2023/24 Premier League campaign after he joined the club from Birmingham City last summer. He made 33 appearances in the top flight last season and scored four goals, recorded by Transfermarkt, as the Hatters suffered relegation to the Championship.
The former Man United player has also been involved in Luton’s pre-season preparations. Chong last featured in Town’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Friday, coming off the bench for Rob Edwards’ side, and he also played a part in the Hatter’s 1-0 victory over Ruhk Lviv.
Although the midfielder seemingly remains part of Edwards’ plans for the upcoming Championship season, he continues to attract interest from across Europe. However, as stated by Plettenberg, Luton and Chong are yet to decide on the next move.
The Bedfordshire club might be cautious about letting Chong leave, having already allowed former first-team players Ross Barkley, Ryan Giles and Gabriel Osho to depart. Edwards has already made two summer signings two players to replace the outgoing players, as Shadon Baptise and Reuell Walters have arrived at Kenilworth Road.
Writer’s View
A strong Premier League campaign last season means that Luton can demand a sizeable fee for 24-year-old Chong. The midfielder has top-flight experience and the reported £10 million price tag reflects his experience, and the fact he has time to progress into a complete player.
Overall, Town is in a strong position to command a decent transfer fee for Chong. Seemingly, the club aren’t desperate to sell, having received transfer fees for Giles and Barkley, leaving them in a good place to negotiate, should Chong want to leave.
