It isn't presumptuous to suggest that Hull City have faced season-long defensive struggles, even when they were tussling nearer the top of the Championship. 

Their nosedive from the periphery of a Championship play-off spot occurred coincidentally after the departure of duo Kamil Grosicki and Jarrod Bowen in January. 

Although, their ability to relieve defensive pressure has been sorely missed, statistics suggest that issues defensively were a problem long before their exits from the club. 

The Tigers had already conceded 38 goals by the end of January, failing to keep a clean sheet in 23 of their 29 matches, and while some supporters put the decline in form down to a bitterly disappointing January window, the table suggests that scoring goals has never been a problem for City. 

Of teams in the bottom half, only Queens Park Rangers have bettered their goalscoring exploits, however, Hull's total of 56 goals is only exceeded by five teams in the whole division, including promotion-chasers Leeds United, West Brom and Brentford.

Having conceded nine goals in four games since the Championship returned, Hull's backline has been put under severe scrutiny and it's often their inability to defend set-pieces that reigns in the largest percentage of critics. 

Defending set-pieces has been an unresolved problem and the regularity in which Grant McCann's side concede from them has been especially alarming. This was epitomised with the ease in which Ahmed Hegazi edged West Brom in front on Sunday's fixture from a corner, brushing aside his marker and heading home past a hapless George Long.  

Hull have lacked an experienced figure to spearhead the backline, having lost the closest they had to one with former captain Eric Lichaj, though he exited the club after failing to agree on terms over a new contract. 

The loss of the American full-back has emphasised the need to bring in an experienced figure who can spearhead a relatively young backline, however, the level of recruitment depends on the division City find themselves in next season. Whether Hull survive in the Championship or sink to League One for the first time since 2005 will be a huge factor in their recruitment policy as well as their ability to attract players. 

McCann, however, is no stranger to shopping in the lower leagues having captured 20-year-old centre back, Festus Arthur from Stockport County last week. 

He's also adept to the talent lying in League One, using his knowledge of the league to pick out those players he feels can make the step up, and while some of his acquisitions have yet to work out, the signing of Leo Da Silva Lopes is someone who bears fruit to this method. 

Defensive improvements are desperately needed, but who could be on the radar this summer? Here we look at FIVE players McCann could sign this transfer window to reshape his backline: 

Luke O'Nien

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A tenacious, attacking full-back, who can also play defensive midfield, is someone who could be on McCann's radar to fill the void left behind by Eric Lichaj

The 25-year-old has found joy operating down the right side in Sunderland's frequently used 3-4-3 system, chipping in with 4 goals and 3 assists this season. 

With McCann's track record of shopping in League One, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him land the 750k rated defender who could be the answer to Hull's recent right-back woes.

Rob Dickie

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Rob Dickie is a central defensive option that McCann could look to snap up, should Oxford United fail to win promotion to the Championship.

Dickie has been one of the stand out players in League One and has helped their push for the play-offs with a string of impressive performances.

The 24-year-old has been at the heart of their possession-based approach and boasts a pass completion of 80.4%, as per WhoScored stats. 

With many clubs facing the prospect of having to sell to survive, Oxford could look to cash in on their highly-rated defender, with many Championship clubs interested in his services. 

Yasser Larouci

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When operating on a shoestring budget, the loan market is of use, and so is the previous business Hull have done with Liverpool. 

The Liverpool U23 left-back could be a transfer target for Championship clubs this summer as the 19-year-old looks to build more first-team experience, having already featured twice for Liverpool in the FA Cup this season. 

A loan move to the Tigers would represent a promising move for Larouci, offering healthy competition for Brandon Fleming and Callum Elder

Although signing a left-back isn't a priority for McCann, using the loan market in a period of financial insecurity is beneficial for both the player and the clubs involved. 

Thibaut Vion

Hull City have agreed a deal to sign right-back Thibaut Vion on a free transfer ahead of the 2020-21 season, according to reports in France.

The 26-year-old became a free agent after his contract with Ligue 2 club Chimois Niortais expired last month. 

A deal to secure Vion would see McCann dip into the foreign market once again, while the majority of his business thus far has come in the English and Scottish leagues. 

Vion is an attacking right-back who can also operate in the forward line, with his versatility offering various options as cover.

According to France Football, Vion will sign a two-year deal with the Tigers after undergoing a medical this week. 

Vion possesses undeniable pedigree, having starred in the France U-20 World Cup-winning side of 2013 with the likes of Paul Pogba and Kurt Zouma
 

Nathan Smith

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Nathan Smith became a free agent after seeing his contract expire at Port Vale, with the 24-year-old opting against signing a new deal. 

The central defender is available on a free transfer with a whole host of Championship and League One clubs expected to be fighting for his services.

Smith is a product of Vales academy and made just under 200 appearances for the club. He's also proven himself to be somewhat of a threat from set-pieces, weighing in with five goals during this shortened campaign. 

Should Hull choose to sign Smith, they will get a commanding defender who is both comfortable in possession and strong in the tackle, with the only real question mark being whether he can make the step up from League Two

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