Hull City launched their pursuit of Steven Fletcher, the Sunderland striker, with an offer rising to £8 million last night. While the bid was rejected, Steve Bruce, the manager, is likely to return with an improved bid.

Fletcher is surplus to requirements, but Sunderland are demanding a fee nearer to the £12 million that they paid Wolverhampton Wanderers for the 26-year-old 18 months ago. He has scored 14 league goals, three of them struck this season for the bottom side in the Barclays Premier League.

Hull are looking to strengthen their attack after spending £3 million on Yannick Sagbo, who has scored only twice in the league since his move from Évian, the French club, in the summer. Hull also have an interest in Max