Greek star Samaras has returned to Eastlands after spending the end of last season on loan with Scottish champions Celtic.

But the 23-year-old does not figure in new boss Mark Hughes' plans following the arrival of £19million signing Jo and the possible capture of Ronaldinho.

Samaras had expressed an interest in returning to Parkhead, but is now more likely to stay in England as Brown wants him to play a part in the Tigers' bid for Premier League survival.