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Steve Bruce is facing a fight with big pal Sam Allardyce and former Manchester United team-mate Mark Hughes to land Jake Livermore this summer.

Hull boss Bruce has made Livermore his priority signing after the midfielder's crucial contribution in helping the Tigers hang on to their Premier League place and reach the FA Cup Final in his season-long loan from Tottenham.

Bruce has already been told he can have the £6million it will take to prise Livermore, 24, out of White Hart Lane - but West Ham and Stoke are joining the chase for his signature.

Hammers boss Allardyce and Potters chief Hughes are both looking to strengthen in midfield, and they are targeting Livermore after his impressive campaign on Humberside.

Tim Sherwood has also noted Livermore's form, and was planning to offer him a new deal with the North London outfit.

But Sherwood's imminent axing as head coach has put a fresh question mark over the England international's Spurs future.

Livermore has already indicated he would be happy to seal a permanent switch to the KC Stadium, but he admits:"I haven't got a clue what's going to happen in the summer.

"I don't know anything but, as long as I am playing next season, I'll be happy.

"It's great at Hull, and I have really enjoyed my time here. I came to play regular first-team football after a terrible season at Tottenham, where I was in and out of the team for various reasons.

"It has been a fresh start for me and a breath of fresh air for someone like Steve Bruce to have a bit of faith in me and say 'just go out and play' every week.

"It has been a pleasure to play here - and enjoyment is a massive part of football."