Hull City plotting to rescue 29-goal ex-Sheffield United ace from nightmare spell abroad

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Hull City are going through a period of radical changes, with a new manager needed and a squad overhaul also looking likely.

Supporters reacted incredibly negatively to Ruben Selles’ sacking on Thursday evening, and pressure is on Acun Ilicali to find the perfect replacement quickly as the Tigers look to improve on their 21st place finish following a torrid Championship campaign.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
18	Stoke CityStoke City	46	12	15	19	45	62	-17	51
19	DerbyDerby	46	13	11	22	48	56	-8	50
20	PrestonPreston	46	10	20	16	48	59	-11	50
21	Hull CityHull City	46	12	13	21	44	54	-10	49
22	LutonLuton	46	13	10	23	45	69	-24	49
23	PlymouthPlymouth	46	11	13	22	51	88	-37	46
24	CardiffCardiff	46	9	17	20	48	73	-25	44

The last 12 months has seen Hull sack three different managers, and the incoming successor to the Spaniard will have his work cut out if the East Yorkshire outfit are to return to the top half of the table next season.

However, work has already started to help in their fight in 2025/26, with the Tigers looking to bring in more firepower up front following a relatively barren year in the final third.

• READ MORE: Acun Ilicali finally shares explanation for Ruben Selles sacking, Hull City fans will be outraged

Hull City target Oli McBurnie as Acun Ilicali hunts for new forwards

Without a manager currently at the club, the recruitment team are battling on their own in the hunt for new faces to fill the squad at the MKM Stadium after four permanent players departed at the end of their contracts, while five loanees will return to their parent clubs.

Nevertheless, work has already begun and Oli McBurnie is one of those who is on the short list to join Hull in the summer transfer window, according to Alan Nixon.

The striker has been playing out in Spain this season for Las Palmas, but he has struggled for form during his time with the club, which is based in Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.

He has scored just five goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for Los Amarillos and a departure at the end of the season looks likely. However, the Tigers will face competition from other sides in Spain for the signature of the 28-year-old, who left Sheffield United at the end of the last season after scoring 29 times in 159 games.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough legend is keen on replacing Ruben Selles as Hull City manager

Oli McBurnie’s experience could be crucial for the Tigers next season

Despite his struggles in Spain, McBurnie has enjoyed success in the Championship in the past, and he could be the perfect player to come in and help take Hull further up the table next season.

A successor to Selles is being sought, and tempting the ex-Blade to the MKM Stadium may require a new head coach being in place which could allow others to take advantage in the race for his signature.

He still has two years left on his contract, so a move could be costly but a striker is needed for the Tigers after their top scorer, Joao Pedro, ended the campaign on just six goals in the Championship.

McBurnie has made 125 appearances in the English second tier previously and with one promotion to the Premier League to his name, he is exactly the type of player that Hull need.