Hull City might have Sheffield United's ideal Vini Souza replacement - Ruben Selles could be key | OneFootball

Ruben Selles is looking to reunite with one of his former Tigers colleagues

Hull City and Sheffield United are both heading into the new Championship season under new management, with plenty of change expected at the two Yorkshire clubs.

Ruben Selles is at the centre of such goings-on, with the Spaniard dismissed by Acun Ilicali at the MKM Stadium after preserving the Tigers' second-tier status on the final day, before replacing Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane last week following the Blades' agonising defeat to Sunderland in the play-off final on May 24th.

A key factor in COH Sports' appointment of the Spaniard is his breadth of knowledge when it comes to data-driven processes, which aligns with the new recruitment model outlined by the American ownership group in S2.

His successor in HU3- Sergej Jakirovic - also has plenty of big decisions to make ahead of the opening weekend of the campaign. But the Bosnian could instantly lose one of City's midfield assets to Selles if they are to edge ahead of La Liga giants, Valencia, for his services.

Steven Alzate could be set for Hull City exit amid Sheffield United, Valencia interest

Steven Alzate was one of two late-summer additions in East Yorkshire, joining the club on a two-year deal as a free agent following his exit from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Colombian gradually worked his way back to full fitness during the disastrous reign of Tim Walter, eventually making his first start for Hull in Selles' first game in charge - a 1-1 draw with Watford on December 11th.

Alzate wasn't flawless during his first season at the MKM, but his technical ability and composure was there for all to see on more occasions than not, although some may have been underwhelmed by the accumulation of a solitary assist which came during a vital 2-1 victory over Swansea City over the Christmas period.

In the early stages of the off-season, it was reported that former West Brom boss, Carlos Corberan, wants to take the midfielder to the Mestalla during his first pre-season with Valencia amid competition from Getafe, with the Blades' interest in Alzate resurfacing in recent days.

It has also been claimed by Hull Live that City are hopeful of boosting the seven-time international's price when it comes to generating a potential hefty profit, with interest from clubs in Serie A and the MLS also coming to the fore, whilst the Tigers remain heavily linked with a loan swoop for Lewis O'Brien of Nottingham Forest.

Steven Alzate aligns with Sheffield United's data-driven recruitment model amid Vini Souza exit talk

Aside from Selles knowing Alzate's strengths and weaknesses to a tee, according to Fbref - a site which compares data to showcase players of a similar ilk and performance levels - the Hull man would be the Blades' perfect replacement for Vini Souza, should the Brazilian maestro depart the Steel City between now and September 1st.

With both featuring as deep-lying playmakers, Alzate and Souza could barely be separated when it came to end output, despite the fact the latter started 11 more times under Wilder and made four further appearances across the season as a whole.

The United midfielder also registered a solitary assist for Ben Brereton-Diaz in a 2-1 victory away to Queens Park Rangers on March 1st, whilst also performing stronger in terms of his progressive nature with the ball at his feet.

Whilst Souza also developed a reputation for being extremely combative, those of a Black and Amber persuasion were treated to an individual style which was much easier on the eye, with the former Standard Liege loanee successfully completing more take-ons against opposition and surprisingly having a greater success rate in the tackle.

Alzate was also a previous target for the South Yorkshire side 12 months ago, and his steady string of performances at Championship level and previous 43 games in the Premier League at just 26 are two clear facets, alongside his relationship with Selles, as to why it wouldn't surprise many if he was to make the switch as Souza has recently been the subject of exit talk.