Leonid Slutsky has admitted he is worried by Sam Clucas’ situation, after Hull City were forced to reject an improved bid for the midfielder, reports the Hull Daily Mail.

Clucas’ stock has risen since his move to Hull in 2015, with the midfielder impressing in both the Sky Bet Championship and Premier League during his time at the KCOM Stadium.

Hull have already rejected a £5m bid from Burnley for the 26-year-old, with the Premier League outfit then returning with a £10m bid, which has also been knocked back.

Speaking about the importance of Clucas and Hull’s desire to keep the midfielder in East Yorkshire, Slutsky said: “To keep everyone in this team is very important. We have 90 per cent of the squad. We have lost a lot of good players and losing another one could break the whole team.

“I am very nervous about the situation but I hope everything will be good. Sam is a really professional guy and he has a long contract with the club.”

Clucas still has two-years remaining on his contract at the KCOM Stadium, but Hull are looking to renegotiate that deal to discourage any further advances from the Premier League.

The midfielder has started the 2017/18 campaign impressively for Hull, who have four-points from their opening three Championship fixtures under Slutsky.

Clucas has featured in all three of those fixtures, including last night’s 3-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, which ended Hull’s unbeaten start to the season.

Following back-to-back home fixtures, Slutsky’s side now travel to Loftus Road on Saturday, where they will face Queens Park Rangers and look to get back to winning ways.

The Verdict

It is easy to understand why Slutsky is worried by Clucas’ situation, particularly after losing so many players already this summer following relegation to the Championship.

The midfielder, like Hull, has started the 2017/18 season well and Slutsky will see him as a main part of the club’s plan to challenge for promotion in the Championship this year.

Hull’s squad still needs strengthening between now and the end of the summer, and the departure of a player like Clucas would seriously hinder the Tigers.

Hull City fans… Let us know your thoughts!