Hull City ‘make moves’ for Carlos Espi amid Lazio interest | OneFootball

Hull City have entered the race for Levante striker Carlos Espi, intensifying competition for Lazio as they look to reinforce their attack.

According to The Laziali, Hull have made significant moves in recent hours and are now seen as frontrunners. Bologna were also in the race, but are expected to be overtaken by the Tigers, helped by superior finances after climbing back to the Premier League.

Gennaro Gattuso is seeking a striker to lift last season’s modest attacking numbers, with Roberto Piccoli, Andrea Pinamonti, AC Milan’s Santi Gimenez and Fluminense’s John Kennedy among names under consideration. Espi has recently joined that shortlist.

The towering Spaniard came through Levante’s academy and was pivotal in avoiding a drop to the second division last season. He scored 11 LaLiga goals, including decisive efforts late in the campaign.

Levante are unwilling to negotiate, so any buyer would have to trigger a €25 million release clause. Under that scenario, Lazio’s chances appear slim, particularly with the club operating on a zero-net transfer market.

As it stands, the Rome club may have to turn elsewhere if Hull push on with their pursuit of Espi.

Source: The Laziali