Tigers on prowl for Panucci

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Sky Sports News understands Hull City are in talks to sign Roma's veteran defender Christian Panucci on a deal until the end of the season.

Tigers boss Phil Brown was priced out of a move for John Arne Riise earlier in January and has now turned his attention to the full-back's Roma team-mate.

Panucci is looking to quit the Italian club after a bust-up with Luciano Spalletti last weekend when he was sent to the stands after being named as a substitute for the game with Napoli.

The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and admitted earlier this week that he wants to leave the Serie A club.

"I understand there is no more faith in me," Panucci told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I'm sorry, but what happened is the consequence of the last few months.

"I believe a lot in personal relationships, but when there aren't any, it's difficult. I informed the club and coach Spalletti.

"I don't want to think about retiring. Staying in Italy or going abroad, for me it's the same."

Panucci has previous experience of the Premier League after spending a brief spell with Chelsea during the 2000/01 season.

The Italian's experience could prove to be a useful asset to the Tigers as Brown looks to keep the club in the Premier League.

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In a shock turnaround, Christian Panucci will be staying at Roma for the rest of the season after rejecting Hull City.

The player had been determined to quit after a blazing row with Coach Luciano Spalletti in which he refused to sit on the bench during the 3-0 win at Napoli.

“I really think Christian will remain at Roma and respect his contract,” agent Oscar Damiani told LaRoma24.it.

“We have been unable to resolve the situation, which isn’t entirely surprising as we had very few days at our disposal.”

The transfer market closes on Monday and Damiani is currently in England discussing possible moves to the Premier League.

However, it is reported the only concrete proposal came from Hull City, who would be considered a step down after playing in the Champions League.

“We have not reached any agreement. The proposals we received were not considered valid for the player.”

Panucci has until 18.00 UK time on Monday to find an alternative club or remain at Roma for the final six months of his contract.

Roma must also choose whether to leave him on the Champions League squad list.

Panucci has been left in Roma's CL squad list since this was written.