Steve Bruce may have already told Hull City why they should sign Championship ‘mountain’ for nothing

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Hull City’s Championship future is on the line when they host Derby County in a huge six-pointer on Saturday afternoon.

Hull’s clash against Derby can dictate the Championship relegation battle this weekend. A win for the Tigers would send them to 51 points and surely guarantee their survival while a victory for the visitors puts them on 49, and hands them the advantage heading into the final day.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
18	PrestonPreston	44	10	19	15	45	55	-10	49
19	Oxford UnitedOxford United	44	12	13	19	44	62	-18	49
20	Hull CityHull City	44	12	12	20	43	52	-9	48
21	DerbyDerby	44	12	10	22	47	56	-9	46
22	LutonLuton	44	12	10	22	41	64	-23	46

Ruben Selles has spoken highly of John Eustace as the two sides prepare to meet at the MKM Stadium, and Sky Sports pundit David Prutton predicts Hull to draw 1-1 with Derby.

That result would be of no use to both sides, who are desperate for the three points on what promises to be a nerve-shredding afternoon of Championship action.

However, despite their future in the division being far from guaranteed, Selles is already looking to overhaul his squad ahead of the summer transfer window.

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Hull City have held talks with West Brom’s Semi Ajayi

West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi sees his contract expire in June, and according to Africa Foot, divisional rivals Hull and League One outfit Reading have held talks with the defender.

Ajayi, who is normally a key figure in the Albion defence, has only played 14 matches in all competitions this term, seeing his involvement limited by injury.

With Tony Mowbray sacked and a shortlist of managers being considered by West Brom, the Championship side are planning a rebuild this summer, leaving the 31-year-old out of their plans.

Ajayi is represented by Wasserman and a key figure from the agency, Larry Oban provided an update on the player’s future to Africa Foot.

“He (Ajayi) will definitely leave West Brom, as they haven’t shown any serious intention of renewing his contract. He’s happy there, but he’ll leave if they don’t make an offer,” Oban said.

“He’s already in talks with Reading and Hull, who admire his versatility and experience. An assessment will take place in the coming weeks, but he’ll be there somewhere next season.”

A physically imposing and aerially dominant defender, Ajayi has made 199 appearances in the second tier and would seemingly bring a wealth of experience to the Tigers defence.

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What Steve Bruce once said about Ajayi

Hull City’s defensive options include John Egan, who joined the club in January, as well as Charlie Hughes, Alfie Jones and Sean McLoughlin, with Fin Burns returning to Manchester City at the end of his loan.

Ajayi would instantly improve the quality of their defence due to his size and stature, with the Nigerian previously endorsed by former manager Steve Bruce.

During his time as Albion manager in August 2022, Bruce waxed lyrical over the defensive stalwart, labelling him as a ‘mountain’ at the back and hailing his key attributes.

“Ajayi I have to say, he’s improved enormously since I’ve walked through the door,” the veteran said. “I’ve enjoyed watching him, he’s a hell of a good defender. When he’s like he was on Saturday he’s big, strong, powerful, quick, he gave a mountain of a performance, especially second half.”

So, with his contract expiring in the summer and defensive reinforcements needed, Hull could do much worse than landing Ajayi.