Hull City want Lille goalkeeper Vito Mannone

Hull City are “looking at” a deal to re-sign goalkeeper Vito Mannone, according to Patreon reporter Alan Nixon.

Hull City could lure the goalkeeper back to East Yorkshire as they seek some experience between the sticks. He had a few loan spells at Arsenal’s MKM Stadium earlier in his career.

Mannone, 36, is currently on the books of Lille in Ligue 1 and remains under contract until next year. However, he is only used as a reserve.

In this latest update on his situation from Patreon journalist Nixon, the stopper has emerged on the Tigers’ radar. They are preparing for the start of the new season under new boss Tim Walter.

First up is a home clash against Bristol City next weekend. They were beaten 2-0 away at Reading in their last pre-season outing and could do with a few more reinforcements for their currently depleted ranks.

Hull City’s goalkeeping department currently consists of Ivor Pandur, Timothee Lo-Tutala and Harvey Cartwright, none of whom have played in the second tier before.

They sold Ryan Allsop and Matt Ingram to Birmingham City and Oxford United respectively.

Bringing back Mannone could be a smart move by the Tigers and he is someone Pandur could learn a lot from.

The veteran joined Arsenal in 2005 from Atalanta and made 23 appearances for the Gunners.

Mannone first joined Hull City temporarily in 2010 and had two spells thereafter, playing a total of 33 games.

Since then he has had spells at Sunderland, Reading, Minnesota United, Esbjerg fB, AS Monaco, FC Lorient and now Lille.

The Italian played five games for his current club last season.

Hull City have been patient with their recruitment as they wait for the right targets to become available.

Walter needs to be supported as his current squad would not be good enough to challenge at the top of the table. They lack depth in key positions, including goalkeeping, and it will be a busy few weeks on the transfer front before the deadline at the end of this month.

Mannone would inject much-needed experience into the Tigers’ ranks if they signed him and would be a safe pair of hands.

Pandur has been their first choice in pre-season and while he has potential, it is a risk going into the new season without any serious competition for him.