Brown - No fire sale at Hull

Posted Friday, January 29, 2010 by PA

Phil Brown has again insisted there will be no "fire sale" as Hull attempt to arrest their financial problems.

Reports have suggested the cash-strapped Tigers are prepared to transfer-list their entire squad in the hope of clearing debts of £9million. Yet while chairman Adam Pearson has spoken of the need to move out fringe players and slash the wage bill by £6million, Brown does not intend to offload his stars - a stance underlined by the club rejecting three bids from Wolves for influential winger Stephen Hunt.

"There are a number of clubs interested in Stephen Hunt, as they think there is a fire sale at this club," said Brown. "Consequently we have stood in the way of that, saying he is not for sale."

He added: "Stephen is a good player at this level. I think everyone likes his attitude, his character and the way he plays the game.

"Everybody wants a piece of that and I have had numerous phone calls from manager enquiring, 'are we selling?' - and the answer is no."

Brown has conceded previously, however, the club will have to listen to offers for all players given their financial state.

That means everyone does eventually have their price and Brown will not be surprised if Wolves return with yet another improved bid for Hunt before Monday's transfer deadline.

He added: "But, as you always know - (Cristiano) Ronaldo was for sale at £80million, simple as that."