Hull City's disastrous Premier League preparations look set to continue as relegated Newcastle United triggered a release cause in the contract of star player Mo Diame.
Diame future in the balance as turmoil continues
Without a manager and a signing to boot, Hull are in turmoil. Fans are beginning to get restless and calling for the sale of the club from the Allam family, with less than two weeks before they return to Premier Legaue action against champions Leicester City.
On the pitch they have performed well and have maintained an unbeaten pre-season thus far. Yet one of their key figures in Senegal international Mo Diame looks set to leave for relegated Newcastle United. Diame has invaluable Championship experience and scored the winning goal for Hull in the playoff final last May.
Youngsters keen to take Austrian opportunity
Meanwhile the rest of the squad are preparing to fly out to Austria for a five day training camp where they will play Turkish side Caykur Rizespor and Italian club Torino. Caretaker manager Mike Phelan admitted a handful of youngsters will "all be involved with the squad that goes out to Austria so we will see what they can produce".
Phelan suggested preparations had not been ideal but praised the attitude of his players during the summer. He explained "it's difficult for them as they are playing more minutes than we would really want to give them at this stage".
In terms of injuries, Phelan is hopeful that Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Abel Hernandez will be fit to perform in Austria: "I think two or three of them will be for, although Shaun Maloney may take a while longer".
Although injuries and a lack of transfer market action have taken their toll on the squad, a handful of players have taken their opportunities. Youngsters Jarrod Bowen and Greg Luer have been extremely impressive, whilst striker Adama Diomande admitted "I'm looking forward to getting my opportunity in the top league".
The search continues
Hull remain on the search for a new manager and new signings. Chris Coleman is still favourite to take charge despite the Welsh FA claiming no official request has been made to them, whilst Martin O'Neill has told Republic of Ireland colleague Roy Keane that "it is either club or country".
Gianfranco Zola has also been touted as a possible replacement for Steve Bruce. After numerous speculations earlier in the summer, the Tigers have been linked with signing Rudy Gestede and Mohamed Sissoko, although any potential deals are far from complete.