Hull City must cough up a fee if they want former Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson.

The Daily Mail says Megson, who was in hospital with kidney stones on Monday, appeared favourite for the hot seat.

However, the £1million transfer fee to be paid to Bolton, who are still paying his wages, is putting off Hull.

Iain Dowie, Paul Jewell and Doncaster's highly rated manager Sean O'Driscoll were other contenders, although Alan Curbishley has been ruled out.

Tigers chairman Adam Pearson wants the new man in place for Saturday's must-win bottom-of-table battle at Portsmouth.