Will Keane spent the first half of last season on loan at Preston. Martin Rickett / PA Wire/Press Association Images

Hull City are in talks to sign Manchester United forward Will Keane, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

United are willing to let Keane move before the close of the transfer window with the former England under-21 international well down the pecking order in Jose Mourinho's plans.

Keane, who came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, saw his path to the first-team blocked by United's star-studded squad.

Keane has had spells out on loan at Wigan, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston in the last three seasons after finding himself out of favour at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at Preston scoring two goals in 22 appearances before being recalled by Manchester United only to suffer a season-ending injury in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury.

A number of clubs have expressed an interest in Keane, but Hull are hopeful of luring the player to the KCOM Stadium.

Hull caretaker boss Mike Phelan is a big admirer of Keane having worked with the player during his time as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Phelan is desperate to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window with Hull yet to make a new signing so far this summer.