Relegated from the Premier League, new Hull City boss Leonid Slutsky will have expected something of an exodus from the KCOM Stadium this summer, with no less than seven first team regulars from last semester having already left the club.

The latest man however to be linked with a move away from Humberside could be the biggest loss of all, with influential midfielder Sam Clucas being touted for a move to the Premier League with Newcastle.

The 26-year-old began his career with hometown side Lincoln City, but never appeared for the first team while on the books at Sincil Bank.

Released, the player started from the bottom with Hereford United, before finally completing his journey to the top flight when he was promoted with Hull following a move from Chesterfield in 2015.

Clucas was extremely impressive for Hull in the middle last season, scoring three goals in the league, but his all round play almost contributed to keeping Hull up.

The Tigers have moved to replace fellow midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who departed for Derby, with Liverpool youngster Kevin Stewart, but losing Clucas would require Slutsky to dip into the market once again.

Slutsky will fight hard to keep hold of Clucas and will only let the player go if he finds a suitable alternative before the player departs.

The opportunity to play under Rafa Benitez in the top flight may be too enticing an offer to turn down, and Slutsky could be searching for his new man in the middle sooner rather than later.

Hull will struggle to replace Clucas, and will certainly be worse off with the player in the side as they look to bounce back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.

How much of a loss would Clucas be, Hull fans?