Hull takeover talks on hold until transfer window closes

The summer transfer window is wide open, but discussions over the sale of Hull City have swung shut until the two months of wheeling and dealing are over.

Takeover talks will continue in September, with any deal brokered likely to end controversial Egyptian owner Assem Allam's association with the club.

Hull said in a statement on Wednesday:

To ensure stability during the transfer window, the Club can confirm that takeover talks have been placed on hold until the summer window closes.

Whilst the owners intend to continue discussing a sale to interested parties in September, the priority for the coming weeks is strengthening the squad ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, particularly given the number injuries sustained to key players during pre-season.

As always, thank you for your continued support.

The treatment room became even busier with Wednesday's earlier news that captain Michael Dawson will be forced to sit out three months with a knee issue. That leaves the Tigers just 13 fit outfield players, and they have yet to make a significant splurge in the transfer market, with teenage goalkeeper Will Mannion the solitary arrival thus far.

Uncertainty shrouds the future of manager Steve Bruce too. The portly gaffer was interviewed for the England managerial vacancy this week, but is apparently still behind Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce in the Football Association's preferred candidates.

Related: Hull confirms Bruce's England job talks

Hull made an immediate return to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season, and begins its 2016-17 top-flight campaign against title holder Leicester City on Aug. 13.