Hull City close in on big-money Femi Azeez swoop as Acun Ilicali continues ambitious transfer strategy

PREMIER LEAGUE new boys Hull City are in pole position to complete a swoop for Millwall winger Femi Azeez. The Tigers have stolen a march on their rivals as they race to lure the South London star to the big time before the transfer window slams shut. Hull City will be back in the Premier league this season Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK The Tigers are closing in on Millwall’s Femi Azeez Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK SunSport can reveal Millwall have already knocked back a record transfer bid for the wide man — an offer that eclipsed the £14.5million fee they received when Romain Esse moved to Crystal Palace. Lions chiefs know it will be extremely difficult to now retain their talisman, despite standing firm so far. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Azeez, 25, established himself as one of the Championship‘s most lethal attacking outlets last season, racking up an impressive 11 goals and 7 assists across all competitions. His terrifying pace and direct output from the wing made him one of the division’s top performers and triggered intense interest across the top flight. Azeez’s blistering form has also caught the eye beyond English shores, with a host of European clubs currently sniffing around a potential deal. Ipswich Town previously launched a formal bid for the winger back in January, but the Tractor Boys have yet to return to the table with a fresh offer. That leaves ambitious Hull sitting firmly in the driving seat as they prepare to offer Azeez a crack at Premier League football. Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic views Azeez as an ideal marquee addition to supercharge their frontline for their top-flight comeback. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Acun Ilıcalı is splashing out the cash to ensure the Tiagers stay in the Premier League Credit: GETTY Millwall remain desperate to hold out for top dollar after reluctantly sanctioning Esse’s blockbuster departure last year. But the Yorkshire club will have to be careful not to be gazumped, with European suitors lurking as negotiations ramp up. Comment now