Hull City join Rangers in race to sign €10m striker - Tigers may have key advantage | OneFootball

The Tigers are looking to bolster their attack following the Bosnian's appointment

Hull City have joined SPFL giants Rangers in the race to sign KVC Westerlo's highly-rated striker, Matija Frigan.

That is according to a report from Index - a news outlet in the forward's native Croatia - which states that the 22-year-old is open to the possibility of reuniting with Sergej Jakirovic, after the 48-year-old was confirmed as the new head coach of the Tigers on Wednesday morning on an initial two-year contract.

The duo worked with each other during the Bosnian's stint in charge of HNK Rijeka, who Frigan netted 15 goals in 32 games for, before moving to the Belgian Pro League side in the summer of 2023 on a five-year contract following the triggering of a €5.5m release clause.

However, not only do the East Yorkshire outfit face strong competition from the Ibrox club, who also recently announced the appointment of former Southampton boss Russell Martin, Westerlo are demanding a pretty penny in order to prize their star performer away from the Het Kuipje stadium.

Matija Frigan interested in Sergej Jakirovic reunion at Hull City amid eight-figure KVC Westerlo valuation claim

Jakirovic only worked with the 15-time Croatia Under-21 international for nine months after being appointed head coach of Rijeka in November 2022, with 10 of Frigan's 14 league goals during his final season for the club coming in said timeframe, before Westerlo were able to pip Sunderland to his signature.

Since then, he has netted 19 times in 72 outings for his current employers, with 14 of those coming last term, featuring alongside the likes of former City winger, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh.

The Black Cats continued to hold an interest in Frigan under Regis Le Bris as recently as January, but it has now been reported that Hull have joined Rangers in the race for his signature, just two weeks after Sacha Tavolieri revealed the striker had been the subject of an offer from Hamburger SV ahead of the German outfit's return to the Bundesliga.

Alongside the surfacing of the Light Blues' interest as Martin looks to make up lost ground on bitter rivals Celtic north of the border, it is said in Index's report that Jakirovic wishes to entice his former colleague to the MKM Stadium, and that could be a possibility as the striker is open to the idea.

It has also been revealed that Westerlo are demanding a fee in the region of €10m, which would be one of the most expensive deals in City's 120-year history if they were able to part with such a hefty sum, with Jakirovic's former side set to also benefit from a 10 percent sell-on fee.

Hull City have made attacking signings a priority early in Sergej Jakirovic's first pre-season

Unsurprisingly, plenty of change is expected in HU3 after yet another change in the dugout by owner Acun Ilicali, and it is clear that improving City's attacking output is essential heading into the upcoming Championship campaign.

Under Tim Walter and Ruben Selles, the Tigers only managed to find the back of the net 44 times last season, which was a key factor behind why an escape from relegation only occurred on goal difference, largely down to fewer goals conceded in comparison to Luton Town.

Joao Pedro ended up as the club's top scorer with six goals, with the recently-departed Joe Gelhardt also netting five in just 20 appearances on loan from Leeds United alongside Abu Kamara.

Adding experience and adequate quality in this department is clearly a necessity, hence why Frigan has joined Oli McBurnie and Mahir Emreli - who also worked with Jakirovic at Dinamo Zagreb - on a list of potential incomings.