High-Flying Hull Eye Toon Outcast Alan Smith

Former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan tried to offload midfielder-cum-striker Alan Smith during the summer, along with several other money-sapping pieces of dead wood.

Everton showed some interest, but the Toffees soon withdrew their interest when negotiations ran into roadblocks.

Now, the News of the World reports that Phil Brown, boss of high-flying Hull City, is ready to swoop for the 27-year-old in January.

Brown wants a versatile player with top-flight experience and is apparently willing to overlook Smith's chequered past, which has been littered with injury and disciplinary problems.

An initial loan deal until the end of the season seems likely, considering the risk associated with the move. However, £3m would see the Tigers comfortably bag Smith in the summer.

Smith moved from Leeds United to Manchester United for £7m in 2004 and his value didn't depreciate greatly at first, as he moved to St James' Park for £6m in 2007.

Source: Goal.com