Hull City centre-back Jacob Greaves wants a salary that matches those that have come into the football club this summer, according to an update from Hull Live.

Yesterday, Football Insider reported that the 21-year-old has turned down multiple contract offers to extend his stay at the MKM Stadium, a real blow for the Tigers who have seen the young defender become one of their best assets during the past 12 months.

However, he is the subject of interest from elsewhere with league rivals Middlesbrough believed to have been interested in agreeing a deal for him - and Chris Wilder's side's chances of landing him may have been boosted by the recent sales of Djed Spence and Marcus Tavernier.

 

 

As per the Northern Echo, Boro have retained their interest in Greaves, though it's currently unclear whether they will make a fresh offer for his services with the Teesside outfit potentially able to pick him up for free next summer.

The Tigers would be entitled to compensation if he was to leave the club - but they will want to generate as much money for him as possible after seeing him become an integral figure in East Yorkshire.

According to Hull Live, the defender wishes to have a contract similar to some of those that have already arrived this summer, with Ozan Tufan, Jean Michael Seri and Oscar Estupinan all thought to be earning more than £20,000 per week.

The Verdict:

You can understand Greaves' stance and this is why it was potentially a strategic error from the Tigers to bring in high-earners like Seri, even though players like the Ivorian will help to take them to the next level.

It wouldn't be a surprise if most of their first-teamers from last season are asking for a pay rise - and a refusal to fork out the amount needed to take their pay close to the new arrivals' salary could create resentment and discontent.

Perhaps others will be understanding of the situation though and may be willing to accept it - because these new arrivals will give them the opportunity to be pushing higher up the table and potentially for Premier League football.

That can only benefit those who were already there last season and with Acun Ilicali seemingly an ambitious figure, many Hull players may be willing to ignore this wage issue and immerse themselves in the new owner's project.

If they can remain within financial fair play rules though, they should certainly be looking to offer Greaves a bumper contract because his valuation will only increase as he improves, on the condition he signs a new deal.