Hull City boss Phil Brown hopes to win the race for Newcastle United fullback Habib Beye.

The News of the World says Brown is ready to spark the Newcastle fire sale by snapping up defender Beye, 31, for £2.5million.

The Tigers eyed Wigan's Mario Melchiot but were scared off by his wage demands. Beye was one of the players Toon boss Alan Shearer wanted to keep.