Hull City’s manager Mike Phelan has confirmed his desire to sign Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson in the January transfer window on loan in an effort to ensure his side’s survival in the league this season.
The Tigers are currently rock bottom of the league with just 12 points from 18 games. They started the season, but injuries to key players have seen them struggle to get points and Phelan wants to bring in the Englishman in an effort to strengthen his defense which has already conceded 39 goals.
Jenkinson meanwhile has been restricted to just 5 appearances this season after coming back from his lengthy injury spell suffered while on loan to West Ham.
In spite of an injury suffered to first choice right-back Hector Bellerin, Jenkinson was not afforded a run of games in the starting lineup as Brazilian center back Gabriel was preferred to him by the manager.
And Phelan speaking ahead of the game against Everton confirmed his interest in the player but has admitted that there are other clubs who are interested in signing the Englishman. He said:
“Yes, he’s been spoken about. But there are a few others in the hat for Carl.”
“I would love him to come here. I’ve spoken to staff at Arsenal and I’ve been encouraged by it.
“But I do also realise that there are other clubs interested in Carl. So that’s where we’re at at the moment and nothing definite has gone ahead and there are others.”
Hull are believed to be among four Premier League clubs interested in signing the 24-year-old. West Ham, where he spent the last two seasons are also reported to have made inquiries for the player along with Watford, Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Championship side Aston Villa.
Given the lack of self-confidence, Carl is suffering from, a run of games in the first team and more frequent playing time may be what is exactly needed to start getting the best out of him again.
He also needs to play regularly to recover from that knee injury suffered at West Ham and given his current position in the pecking order at the Emirates, he may need to look elsewhere to get some regular playing time.
