Hull City are ready to offer £750,000 for Southend United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Manager Steve Bruce was at Roots Hall yesterday to watch the 22-year-old in action against West Ham.

Bentley is regarded as one of the best emerging keepers in the country and has been the subject of failed bids from West Ham, Watford and Leeds in recent months.

Daniel Bentley played for Southend United during their pre-season game against West Ham on Saturday

Bentley was mobbed at Wembley in May after his penalty save gained Southend promotion to League One

Southend have been holding out for £1m for the club's player of the year but Bentley is refusing to sign a new contract and has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman was also at Roots Hall, while Swansea sent a scout too but Bentley is keen on teaming up with Bruce once the clubs agree the fee.

Bentley saved the crucial penalty in Southend's League Two play-off final against Wycombe at Wembley in May, which handed the Essex club promotion to the third tier of English football.