SAMMIE Szmodics has been linked with a switch to Hull City as the race to sign the Colchester United attacker hots up.

The Tigers, who have just appointed Grant McCann as their new boss, are rumoured to have made a firm offer for Szmodics, who has also been the subject of interest from fellow Championship club Bristol City.

Colchester last week accepted a bid from League One side Peterborough United for Szmodics, whose contract at the JobServe Community Stadium expires this summer.

However, Szmodics, who is also rumoured to be attracting interest from Derby County, declined the chance to discuss personal terms with Posh and is believed to have his heart set on a move to the Championship.

Colchester are entitled to compensation for Szmodics should he leave this summer, as he is currently under the age of 24.

Fans' favourite Szmodics has made more than 150 league and cup appearances for Colchester, scoring 38 goals, since making his senior debut for them in September, 2013.

The former Stanway School pupil, who has been at the U's since the age of seven, finished the 2018-19 campaign as the club's top scorer last season, with 15 goals.

Hull were also rumoured to be interested in signing Frankie Kent prior to him sealing his move to Peterborough, on Saturday.

Kent, who made 141 league and cup appearances for Colchester since making his debut for them at Walsall in the final game of the 2013-14 season, has joined the League One club on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Colchester's first-team squad are due to return for pre-season training drills on Wednesday, in preparation for the new League Two season.

The U's begin the 2019-20 campaign with a home game against Port Vale, on August 3.