Hull to also lose Ahmed Elmohamady as Premier League predators circle?

Hull City, having slipped back into the Championship fray, are still reeling from relegation but may now have to steel themselves for several raids, with wing back Ahmed Elmohamady the latest to be linked to leave Humberside.

The KC Stadium is worryingly yet to see any new arrivals, though fledgling flank threat Tom Ince has already opted to jump ship permanently to fellow second tier team Derby County, who are 11/2 favourites with Coral to take the Championship crown.

Most of the early summer fuss revolved around whether star forward and club-record top flight scorer Nikica Jelavic would stay put or seek pastures new, though perhaps developments indicating an imminent disassembling of the Tigers’ defence should be more concerning to Steve Bruce.

Former Manchester United youth James Chester, who has carved out a solid career as a centre half, is said to be on the radar of a raft of Premier League clubs, while Scotland international full back Andrew Robertson is another said to have a string of admirers.

It is interest in wing backs Robbie Brady (recently joined Norwich City) and Elmohamady that represent the biggest blows, though, as the tenacious Tigers pair were two of few to impress with consistently spirited outings as Hull (5/2 for promotion) fought for their top flight futures, turning in performances worthy of interest from other Premier League sides.

Egypt international Elmohamady, still just 27, has spades of experience following two stints with Sunderland and is also a two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with the Pharaohs, for who has has a superb 70 caps.

The North African attacker is reportedly being eyed by Stoke City, who are making strides with signings, and appear to have identified their wings as an area for improvement. While West Bromwich Albion have done little of note so far this summer and are also rumoured to be interested in the Egyptian, as the Baggies seek attacking quality to add stardust to their stubborn backline.

Elmohamady, who caught the eye, especially in his final few top flight games, should be a signing right up Tony Pulis’ alley, with his ability to play in any wide right role and his defensive endeavors likely to appeal to the ex-Potters boss.

Two league goals plus five assists from last season is hardly an earth-shattering haul, but for a mooted cut-price fee of around £3m, it is no wonder European giants Sevilla are also linked.

A consistent player, who played the full 90 minutes in all of his 38 Premier league appearances last campaign could fit the part as a reliable right-sided squad player for the Bathtubs, following adaptable Aleix Vidal’s departure, though Elmohamady would be sorely missed at the KC Stadium.