Former Hull- City striker set for transfer move to Championship rivals

Aaron Connolly could be set for a swift return to the MKM Stadium with Sunderland just months after leaving Hull City at the end of last season.

Reports emerged on Monday suggesting Connolly will join the Black Cats after arriving on Wearside on Sunday and was at the club’s Academy of Light training centre on Monday morning ahead of penning a deal.

Connolly came to life under former Tigers boss Liam Rosenior at City after being thrown a lifeline following a disappointing spell on loan in Italy’s Serie B with Venezia, arriving in January 2023, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over QPR but picked up a toe injury which prematurely ended his campaign.

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The Republic of Ireland international impressed and was handed a one-year deal last summer by Rosenior, and started the campaign in blistering fashion with five goals in his first eight games including a brace off the bench as City came from behind to win at Blackburn Rovers in mid-September, with his form earning him a recall to the Republic of Ireland setup after a two-year absence.

After a run of 13 games without a goal, the 24-year-old netted three in four but after being poleaxed by Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn in a home defeat on January 12, the striker struggled to regain his form, and place, and was released at the end of last season.

A move to Sunderland, who sit second in the Championship with five wins from six after beating another of Connolly’s former clubs in Middlesbrough on Saturday, would see him back at the MKM Stadium in the Red and White on October 19, as City host the Wearside outfit in the first game back after the international break.

Hull City goalkeeper battle

Rushworth moved down to Brighton in 2019 after spells at Huddersfield Town and FC Halifax Town.

He is highly-rated by the Premier League outfit, despite never playing for their first-team.

The stopper has had temporary stints away at Worthing, Walsall and Lincoln City, as well as Swansea City, in the past to boost his development.

He was an eye-catching addition for Hull City and his arrival certainly boosts their goalkeeping department.

It would be harsh to drop Pandur at the moment though and Tim Walter is being loyal with the 24-year-old.

He endured a tough pre-season and questions were asked about whether he would be good enough to play at their level. The ‘keeper was signed last January but was used as back-up behind Ryan Allsop.

Pandur started on the opening day against Bristol City and hasn’t looked back since. He hasn’t put a foot wrong yet and considering the style of play that Walter adopts and the fact he has to use his feet a lot, he has done well so far.

If he was to make a mistake, Rushworth would be waiting in the wings to step up. The former Hellas Verona and Fortuna Sittard man has deservedly kept his position though and is likely to get the nod against this weekend against Cardiff City.