Mike Phelan and Hull City remain far apart in talks over manager's job

Mike Phelan has been in temporary charge since Steve Bruce left Hull City in July

Hull City caretaker boss Mike Phelan has dismissed reports he is close to succeeding Steve Bruce as manager and says he remains far apart on an agreement with the club.

Phelan has been in charge at the KCOM Stadium on an interim basis since Bruce's shock departure three weeks before the Premier League season got underway.

Despite beginning the season with just 13 fit senior players, Phelan led the Tigers to victory in their opening three games before they were defeated by Manchester United in their last fixture before the international break.

Hull resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to fellow newly-promoted side Burnley on Saturday and Phelan's future remains a question mark.

A statement issued by Phelan's representatives said: "To avoid further speculation we wanted to clarify the situation regarding Mike Phelan's position at the club.

"We remain in talks with the club's current owners but are still wide apart on an agreement.

"As he has done over the last seven weeks, Mike will remain 100 per cent focused on preparing the team for their next match."

Watch Sky Sports' derby day extravaganza on Sep 10 - Man Utd v Man City and Celtic v Rangers - as part of our three months' half-price offer.