Tigers close on Dudgeon deal

Hull City manager Nigel Pearson is hoping to agree a deal to sign Man Utd youngster Joe Dudgeon.

Pearson confirms United youngster watched draw with Palace

Hull City manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed he is hoping to agree a deal to sign Manchester United youngster Joe Dudgeon. Dudgeon has yet to feature for United's first team and made two appearances on loan at League One side Carlisle United earlier in 2011. He was in attendance at Hull's Championship game with Crystal Palace on Saturday and is tipped to move to the KC Stadium in a £300,000 transfer. A switch to the Tigers would see the 20-year-old defender link up with former Old Trafford team-mates James Chester, Corry Evans and Cameron Stewart, and Pearson is keen to finalise the swoop. "Joe Dudgeon from Manchester United was in the crowd and we hope something will happen very shortly," said Pearson after the 1-1 draw with Palace. Pearson is also unsure whether on-loan Cardiff defender Anthony Gerrard will be returning to the Tigers next season, but confirmed Australian international Richard Garcia has been offered a new contract. He added: "We don't know yet if we will have Anthony Gerrard, the ball's in his court. "We have offered Richard Garcia a new contract. He had to leave the field today, but he has been carrying an injury and he's been playing when most other players wouldn't have. It shows his personal drive."