Derby County midfielder Max Bird was taken off in the closing stages of their home loss to Oxford United last night

Liam Rosenior watched his former club Derby County in action last night as Hull City continue their transfer pursuit of defensive midfielder Max Bird. The Tigers head coach was in the directors’ box but left after Oxford United’s second goal.

Bird limped off at the end of the match after picking up a knock as the Rams crashed to a third successive home defeat. Derby boss Paul Warne said: “I went on to the pitch at the end to speak with Birdy and he wouldn’t speak because he was in that much pain. Hopefully he will be absolutely fine but the early signs are, he will not.”

 

Should Bird face an extended spell on the sidelines, the Tigers could be forced to alter their transfer plans. Time is running out for Rosenior to add to his squad, with the window set to close in just over two weeks.

Hull Live understands City have already had two bids knocked back for Bird this summer. A third offer has been lodged and the Tigers remain hopeful of reaching an agreement to sign the 22-year-old.

Read more: Teenage starlet Henry Sandat catching the eye of Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior

Sources have told this publication that Bird wants to move to the MKM Stadium to link up with Rosenior once again. Bird, who has progressed through the ranks at Derby, has started the League One club’s opening four fixtures. He has made over 160 appearances for the club but has entered the final year of his Rams contract.

 

Meanwhile, City youngster Jack Leckie has joined National League North side Farsley Celtic on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old defender made his Celtic debut last night, coming off the bench in their 1-1 draw at home to South Shields

Leckie, who joined City on a two-year deal in July 2022, will work alongside player-manager and former City striker Clayton Donaldson. On his loan move, City professional development coach Conor Sellars said: “It will be a fantastic experience for Jack.

“He is going to play against men and test himself against players that are just as big and as strong as him, so he will need to use other parts of his defensive game like his awareness, intelligence and his timing to come out on top.

 

“I am really delighted for Jack because he is a brilliant lad and I hope the experience will put him in good stead when he comes back.

“He has been fantastic and from last season to now, he has improved a lot and he has got a fantastic attitude so I hope he does well at Farsley.”