Hull City manager Steve Bruce has publicly lambasted the club's decision to sell former England U21 international Tom Ince to Championship promotion rivals Derby County.
The Rams triggered Ince's buy-out clause to take him to the iPro Stadium for a club record transfer fee, but Bruce feels more should have been done to stop Ince from leaving the club.
Ince was seen as a key member of Bruce's squad
Bruce saw Ince as a key player at Championship level as he prepares to attempt a swift return to the Premier League, but will now be forced to undertake some rebuilding work with the summer transfer window now open.
The Mirror quoted Bruce as fuming that he "certainly wouldn't have sold him", complaining that he had done everything in his power to keep the 23-year-old.
The Tigers boss complained about the club's policy of "selling our best young players", saying that Ince was "an integral part" of his plans ahead of the new season.
However, while Paul Clement's side did meet the buy-out clause in Ince's contract, Bruce claimed that it remained "the decision of others" to allow him to leave the club.
He impressed on loan with the Rams last campaign
Ince signed for Hull at the beginning of last season following the expiry of his contract with former club Blackpool, but spent the end of the term on loan with the Rams.
Then under the management of now-Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren, Ince plundered 11 goals in 18 appearances but saw Derby's promotion hopes extinguished as they dropped down the table and out of the play-off positions.
Hull pursue replacement targets
He joins as Derby's sixth summer signing, with many making them favourites to go up next year. Hull, however, have some work ahead as they target promotion, and have been linked with Cardiff City winger Peter Whittingham.
Some media outlets have also linked the Tigers with a loan move for Manchester United forward James Wilson, who made a number of appearances for Louis Van Gaal's side last season, scoring twice.