Soccer

Robert Snodgrass rejects new Hull contract and targets January exit

Scotland international has been club’s outstanding player in a difficult season

Robert Snodgrass has been Hull City’s best attacking threat this season. Photo: Getty Images

Louise Taylor
Wed Dec 21 2016 - 23:03

Hull City's already fairly dismal season appears to have taken a turn for the worse after Robert Snodgrass turned down their offer of a new three-year contract and made it plain he hopes to leave East Yorkshire next month.

Several clubs, including Middlesbrough, West Ham, West Brom, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are monitoring the Scotland winger, who has only six months left on his current deal. Celtic would be his preferred destination, but Brendan Rodgers does not currently appear interested in pursuing him.

The 29-year-old has been Hull's outstanding player this season and offers Mike Phelan probably his best hope of avoiding relegation, but has rejected a lucrative offer to stay after becoming disillusioned at the KCom Stadium.

A lack of player recruitment last summer reflected the desire of the Allam family, Hull's owners, to sell the club but Snodgrass is believed to have become disenchanted by their ongoing attempts to secure viable buyers. Although discussions continue with the latest consortium to circle Hull, no takeover is thought to be close as the team languish at the bottom of the Premier League with only 12 points.

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Relegation rival

Phelan will not let Snodgrass leave – particularly not to a relegation rival – without a fight and it is understood that Hull have an option to trigger an automatic one-year extension. However, the former Leeds United and Norwich City winger does not seem keen on being taken down that route. It may eventually be decided that it is in everyone's best interests for him to leave, with the transfer fee reinvested on players.

It is thought the Snodgrass could cost around £4m – a modest valuation influenced partly by his contract situation and partly by the serious knee injury that sidelined him for 16 months before his return to action last spring.

Although Snodgrass has made an excellent recovery following two operations to repair a dislocated kneecap as well as significant ligament and cartilage damage, the surgery was complex and any would-be buyer will almost certainly seek specialist medical advice before any fee is finalised or transfer completed.

Quite apart from the quality of his left foot, set-piece delivery and regular goals, Snodgrass’s versatility has attracted attention, with the right winger capable of operating in several positions. Guardian service

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