Hull City have given Sheffield United a very public kicking over their transfer haggling after the League One side announced they had “reluctantly accepted” a bid for Harry Maguire.
The Tigers launched a £5m bid for young defender Maguire, which was rejected by the Blades.
But when United realised Hull were telling the truth and it really was their best and final offer, they seemingly changed their minds and wanted to take the money.
United managing director Mal Brannigan said: “We made it clear that we wanted Harry to stay by offering him a new contract at the end of last season, unfortunately he and his representatives chose a different path.
“However, as he is under contract at Bramall Lane, we exercised our right to set our own valuation of him and after numerous bids which did not meet our expectations, Hull City increased their offer and we have reluctantly accepted.”
But Hull struck back with a statement of their own saying the deal might not go through at all.
It read: “Sheffield United rejected an offer from the club five days (Wednesday) ago for defender Harry Maguire. This was the club’s final offer and we have since entered into discussions with other transfer targets.
“In light of Sheffield United’s statement this morning, the board will meet with manager Steve Bruce this afternoon to determine whether we now wish to pursue the transfer after the South Yorkshire club’s apparent U-turn.”
