Exclusive: What Lee Hendrie thinks of Hull City's chances in Sheffield United & Birmingham City Oli McBurnie race | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing Hull City's chances of winning Oli McBurnie's signature this summer.

Hull City are in the race to land free agent Oli McBurnie amid interest from Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Swansea City.

The 29-year-old is without a club after triggering an exit clause in his contract with Spanish side Las Palmas as a result of their relegation from La Liga.

McBurnie is set to hold talks with new Tigers boss Andrej Jakirovic in the coming days, with initial discussions already being described as "positive."

Hull are said to be hopeful of completing a deal swiftly, though several other clubs remain in the mix.

Lee Hendrie makes Hull City, Oli McBurnie transfer claim

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, former Aston Villa man and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie, was asked whether he is surprised at Hull being linked to McBurnie, and admitted that while there are clubs of higher calibre involved, the move would be a great fit for both parties.

"I think it would be a surprise," Hendrie admitted. "Hull City are crying out for a striker that can go in and give them something a little bit different.

"But I think with reports of Sheffield United, where he knows the club so well, and then Birmingham being on the up, you do think that could maybe turn his head a bit.

"If he were to go to Hull, he knows he will be playing week in and week out, because as I said, they are crying out for a striker. But it all depends on where he wants to go and where he sees his future."

Concluding, Hendrie said: "That being said, I do think that he would be a super signing for Hull City."

Hull City face Oli McBurnie competition from Championship clubs

Sheffield United, Swansea City, and Birmingham are all reportedly vying for the 29-year-old's signature.

Having already played for both Sheffield United and Swansea, both clubs have been touted as potential landing spots for the striker.

McBurnie made 159 appearances for the Blades between 2019 -2024. However, a return to Bramall Lane may be considered unlikely with Chris Wilder set to be replaced by ex-Hull boss Ruben Selles.

Swansea, where McBurnie scored 26 goals across four years, are also monitoring the situation, but HullLive reports that the striker is currently favouring a move to the MKM Stadium.

Meanwhile, Birmingham City are pushing hard to convince the Scotland international, with Alan Nixon reporting that the newly-promoted Blues are preparing a "top cash offer" in a bid to win the race.

Nixon also mentioned Spanish side Celta Vigo as a possible destination, with McBurnie said to be open to remaining in Spain after departing Las Palmas following their relegation from La Liga.

Oli McBurnie would be a statement of intent for Hull City

If Hull do win the race for McBurnie, it would mark a serious statement from Jakirovic in his first window in charge.

The Tigers only secured Championship survival on goal difference in 2024/25 and are aiming for a stronger campaign this time around.

The signing of McBurnie would address a clear need in attack. His experience, physicality and off-the-ball work would all be valuable to a Hull side looking to climb the table under new leadership.