Hull City reportedly join race for Portsmouth right back as look to bolster backline

Hull City are reportedly interested in a move for Portsmouth right back Kieron Freeman this summer, according to Hampshire Live. The Tigers are said to be in a battle with Burton Albion, Mansfield Town, Leyton Orient and Swindon Town for Freeman’s signature, with his future at Fratton Park uncertain.

The 30-year-old made 25 appearances for Pompey last season, but did not feature from February onwards after picking up a serious ankle injury. Freeman was in and out of the side during the first half of the campaign as he faced stiff competition from Mahlon Romeo and Hayden Carter for the right back spot.

That meant he was forced to feature heavily at centre back, but with those aforementioned players returning to their parent clubs, the door could be open for Freeman to nail down his more favoured position. However, Portsmouth now face a fight to keep hold of the former Sheffield United defender with Hull now said to be keen on bringing him to East Yorkshire.

Hull’s pursuit of a right back is likely to depend heavily on the fitness of the two players they currently have in that role – Lewie Coyle and Josh Emmanuel. Coyle was City’s first choice last season but suffered two fairly serious injuries which saw him miss 22 Championship matches.

Emmanuel also suffered issues of his own, missing the entirety of the season from November onwards due to illness. The Tigers have triggered the one-year extension in his contract, though, which could indicate that he is ready to make a return to football, which would leave their interest in Freeman in the balance.