Saturday, August 29, 2009

Brown Hoping To Keep Reds Target Turner At Hull


Phil Brown hopes Michael Turner will be able to convince himself that his future lies with Hull - by putting in a performance at Wolves like he did against Bolton last week.

The Tigers travel to Molineux in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday with the transfer window nearing its close and speculation hotting up, particularly following the completion of Joleon Lescott's protracted switch from Everton to Manchester City.

Turner is one of Hull's most prized assets and has been linked with a move away from the KC Stadium for some time after a string of impressive performances since their promotion to the top flight.

Liverpool have enquired about him and Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is the latest to register his interest, but Brown is determined to hang on to his man.

"This centre-half merry-go-round began as soon as Joleon Lescott moved to Manchester City and lo and behold, there are three or four centre-halves that have moved,'' Brown said. "We are trying desperately to hang on to Michael Turner and fingers crossed we can be successful in that area.

"He (Bruce) is not the only one, we've had enquiries from three or four Premier League teams and fortunately we've managed to hang on to him. But the market is so volatile. Twenty-four million pounds for Joleon Lescott just shows you how ridiculous the game has gone.

"People will pay it though, and if they are willing to, there is going to be a cascading effect. Unfortunately we're underneath the big boys and we have to wait for these things to happen.''

After a stuttering start, with defeats against Chelsea and Tottenham, Hull got their league campaign up and running last week with a 1-0 win over Bolton in which Turner's defensive display was instrumental.

Brown said that if the 25-year-old maintained his good form, both he and the club could continue to grow together - but accepted that any big-money offer would have to be considered.

He continued: "Hopefully a win at Wolves will keep Michael Turner at Hull, for a start. But unfortunately all these things take a back seat as soon as double figures in terms of millions are mentioned. Michael was brought to the football club for £350,000 less than three years ago.

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