Vennegoor set for Hull stay

Vennegoor: Arrived in the summer

Hull chairman Adam Pearson has confirmed the club have rebuffed interest in striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The Dutch striker's future has been subject of speculation in recent weeks, with Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan thought to be keen on his services.

Strachan managed the former Dutch international during their time at Celtic, but Pearson insists the man they signed on a free transfer in the summer will remain at the KC Stadium.

"There was interest (in Vennegoor of Hesselink) but he is a recent addition and he has done very well for us," Pearson told the Hull Daily Mail.

"He is a very good pro and he is someone we are more than happy to have in the squad."

The Tigers have been subject of much transfer talk this January, with departures looking more likely than arrivals as boss Phil Brown looks to reduce the club's wage bill.

One of those who will not be leaving, however, is versatile veteran Kevin Kilbane, who Pearson sees as essential to their dressing room spirit despite interest from relegation rivals Wolves.

Asked about the 32-year-old leaving, he said: "It would happen only if he was desperate to go and I see no evidence of that and I certainly know of no interest from Wolves.

"He is a player who remains important to us. He plays a number of positions and he is a very good personality, who is excellent in the dressing room and I would be very surprised if he was to leave."