ROY HODGSON reckons Hull City are welcome to Marc Antoine-Fortune.
The French striker was on the Fulham boss's list before he was snapped up by the Tigers.
But it's a very long list - and Antoine-Fortune, who played on loan at West Brom last season, was at the bottom.
The Whites manager has other irons in the fire, and was hoping to wrap up at least two deals in the next 48 hours prior to the squad's return to training next week.
Hodgson wants as near a complete unit as he can muster before Fulham take in an early July tour of Australia - and reckons discussions are well advanced with new faces.
He said: "There were discussions about him (Antoine-Fortune) - but he was not a primary target.
"I have other ideas about what we need, and it might depend on whether they get realised before we look elsewhere.
"What Antoine-Fortune wanted in the way of wages is also a factor."
Nancy sporting director Nicolas Holveck confirmed offers from English clubs had been given the green light, with Hull leading the way for the 27-year-old.
"We accepted three separate offers, all from English clubs," he said.
"All are in excess of £4million and, with add-ons, one is approaching the £5m mark.
"Now it's up to the player to agree personal terms."
Hodgson also revealed he has no interest in Wigan's Paul Scharner - but was delighted to have captured Stephen Kelly at the second time of asking last week, while saving his club £3m. Kelly became the first capture of the summer when the Irish international right-back joined from Birmingham.
The manager said: "We asked
about Stephen this time last year and were told it would cost us £3m.
"This time, he was a free agent - and, although we weren't originally looking at him this summer, the
opportunity was too good to miss when he became available.
"He will be a good challenge for John Pantsil, although Stephen can play in other positions as well.
"With Fredrik Stoor and Chris Baird also in the squad - it's one position we don't have to think too hard about filling in the immediate future." ..SUPL:
