Nigel Adkins hints at wanting Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long

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Sheffield United’s George Long could be in line for a move to Hull City.

Hull City boss Nigel Adkins has told the Hull Daily Mail that he is pursuing a deal for Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long this summer.

The Tigers have seen the likes of Allan McGregor, Michael Dawson, Max Clark, David Meyler, Seb Larsson, Moses Odubajo and Abel Hernandez move on at the end of their contracts this summer, giving manager Adkins a major rebuilding job.

Reece Burke, Jordy de Wijs, Eric Lichaj and David Milinkovic have all arrived, but Hull are in desperate need of more additions before the start of the new Championship season, with depth certainly required all over the pitch.

Another goalkeeper should be on Hull’s radar given McGregor’s exit to Rangers, and it seems that Adkins is targeting a deal for one of his former players.

George Long worked with Adkins at Sheffield United during the 2015-16 season, and made 38 appearances having nailed down a spot as the Blades’ first-choice goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old, born in Sheffield and a product of the United academy, has made just five appearances for the Blades since Adkins’ departure, and was sent out on loan to League One side AFC Wimbledon last season.

Long is back at Bramall Lane, but he was made available for transfer in May, and Hull could be poised to swoop to sign him and use him as cover for Marshall.

Adkins has told the Hull Daily Mail that he feels Long was ‘exceptional’ for him at Sheffield United and has a bright future, hinting that Hull are working to bring him to the KCOM Stadium in order to loan out Will Mannion and Callum Burton.

“I’ve had George before at a previous club and he was exceptional,” said Adkins. “He’s 24 but he’s a young goalkeeper who is very talented. He had an excellent season at Wimbledon last season and he’s got a bright future.

“Marshy (David Marshall) is our number one goalkeeper, I’ve stated that, but I look at the development of Will Mannion and Callum Burton and they need to play football. I want three goalkeepers and it might be that if we do bring in a George Long, for example, that frees up Will or Callum to go and play competitive football on loan,” he added.