Middlesbrough transfer latest as Hull City aware of Ryan Giles return hope

HULL City are aware that Ryan Giles would be keen to rejoin Middlesbrough this summer if the opportunity presents itself, but the situation hasn't changed in recent days.

As reported by the Northern Echo last week, Giles' permanent switch from Luton to Hull didn't change anything from Boro's perspective.

The Tigers had an obligation to make that deal permanent on the back of his loan move with the Championship club in the second half of last season. Boro always expected Giles to move to Humberside.

Boro remain interested in re-signing the 24-year-old this summer. An initial loan would be Boro's preference, but a permanent deal wouldn't necessarily be out of the question if a deal could be struck. But Boro would be unlikely to want to pay £4m, which is what it cost Hull to make the Giles deal permanent.

Reports from Humberside claim Hull are now braced for a bid from Boro. Whether or not an offer of any sort is imminent, that those claims have emerged from the Hull end suggests there's a willingness at the MKM Stadium to strike a deal this summer.

READ MORE:

• Middlesbrough close in on transfer of highly rated Aston Villa target

• Portsmouth boss tells of Sammy Silvera surprise & confirms Middlesbrough winger plans

Giles is keen on returning to Boro, with the full-back understood to now know he made a mistake in joining Luton rather than returning to Riverside 12 months ago. He enjoyed the most impressive spell of his career during his time on Teesside.

He spent the second half of last season with Hull after quickly falling out of favour at Luton, but didn't establish himself with the Tigers and didn't start any of their last eight games of the season.

Hull have since changed manager, with Tim Walter replacing Liam Rosenior, and it's not clear at this stage what the new head coach's plans are at left-back. Giles has Matty Jacob for company in that position. Jacob signed a new three-year deal in March.

Earlier this summer, owner Acun Ilicali also admitted exits will be inevitable if Hull want to strengthen the squad, but they look set to receive significant fees for outgoing Jaden Philogene and Jacob Greaves.

Boro have always felt the Giles situation wouldn't be resolved early in the summer and will continue to be patient in their pursuit of the popular former loanee.