Mike Phelan confirms Jay Rodriguez interest

Hull City manager Mike Phelan has admitted that his side are looking at the possibility of signing Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez in the New Year.

The Tigers are on the search for a new centre-forward with Will Keane sidelined out for the rest of the campaign whilst Dieumerci Mbokani will be participating for DR Congo at the African Cup of Nations in mid-January.

Ahead of his side's game versus West Bromwich Albion, Phelan confirmed that Rodriguez is one among the players on their radar as they seek to bolster their squad in the winter transfer window.

The England international has struggled to cement a regular role at St.Mary's since his long-term injury layoff and currently finds himself warming the substitutes' bench.

Manager Claude Puel has preferred the likes of Charlie Austin and Shane Long ahead of him in the pecking order, and it could be time he could leave the South Coast for a fresh challenge elsewhere.