Eight loanees to tempt City

TIGERS WILL HAVE TO BE CAREFUL DURING TRANSFER WINDOW GIVEN THEIR SITUATION

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City will hope to boost Sergej Jakirovic’s squad before the transfer window closes on February 2, though that won't be an easy task.

While City are flying high in the race for promotion to the Premier League, the Tigers are working under strict restrictions placed on them by the EFL, which means that, as it stands, they can only bring in players once they've let some go.

That is proving difficult, but despite that, owner Acun Ilicali is hopeful of giving Jakirovic a player or two that can help his squad in the second half of the campaign.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some Premier League loanees that may well be re-available in the second half of the season and keen to enjoy better times than they did in the first half...

Lewis Koumas (winger, Birmingham City on loan from Liverpool)

Having had one Championship spell with Stoke last season, Liverpool sent Koumas to Birmingham amid initial talks with Hull City, hoping he'd kick on and establish himself as a regular starter. It hasn’t happened.

Indeed, the 20-year-old, son of former Wales playmaker Jason, has started just five league games and went half a season before breaking his duck, with a neat finish in the 3-2 win over Coventry.

He's benefitting from Demarai Gray's injury but will surely go back to a bit-part role once the Jamaica international returns - there’s even been talk he could be recalled by Liverpool.

Sverre Nypan (attacking midfielder, Middlesbrough on loan from Manchester City)

Manchester City beat off Aston Villa to secure a £12.5 million deal for the 19-year-old in the summer and immediately loaned him out to Middlesbrough.