HULL City vice-chairman Tan Kesler insists he doesn't expect Ryan Giles to join Middlesbrough this summer and claims he wants the left-back to stay with the Tigers and "take them to the next level".

The fresh twist comes just a week or so after Hull owner Acun Ilicali admitted he wouldn't stand in Giles' way if the full-back wished to join Boro this summer.

It's understood that is the case and the 24-year-old is keen on reuniting with Michael Carrick at the Riverside, despite Kesler's claims that Giles is now starting to settle at the MKM Stadium.

Giles spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull from Luton and the Tigers were obligated to make that deal permanent this summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £4m.

Giles lost his place in Hull's side at the end of last season, City aren't short of left-backs and the Tigers are aware of the full-back's desire to return to Middlesbrough if possible this summer.

City chiefs have also been open about their need to balance the books, though Jacob Greaves last week joined Ipswich for almost £20m and Jaden Philogene is set for Aston Villa for around £13.5m.

Kesler says Hull would need "significant persuasion" to allow Giles to leave. But Boro will continue to be patient. They're calm about the matter given they're already well stocked at left-back and the capture of Giles has always been seen as an added bonus this summer.

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Boro's preference would be an initial loan though a permanent deal is not out of the question - but they wouldn't be matching the £4m Hull paid Luton.

There's been a growing expectation in recent weeks that Giles will rejoin Boro, with all parties keen to strike a deal if an agreement can be reached.

Kesler, though, has now claimed Hull want Giles - who played for the Tigers in their pre-season opener against Kasimpasa at the weekend - to stay.

Asked whether he expects the former Wolves defender to leave and rejoin Boro, he told BBC Humberside: "No. Why? I can tell you.

"I want Ryan to be part of the leadership group and be proud of this organisation and be proud of us and take us to the next level, and he's capable of doing that. As a personality he's amazing, his ability is exceptional and proven.

"Because of the nature of our culture and family culture, it takes time for players to acclimatise. I think he's finished his acclimatisation and I've seen him in our first friendly against Kasimpasa, he was more confident, he was more expressive.

"I don't expect to see him leaving us or want to leave us. If he's going to leave, that needs to be significant persuasion for us. But Acun and I are very confident he should stay."

Further pressed and asked whether he can guarantee Giles will be staying, Kesler admitted: "I cannot guarantee anything. It's the same with incomings. I wish I could guarantee and make it so simple that you wouldn't have to sit with me and do the interview, but we are dealing with human beings and I will always treat them like human beings.

"I think our respect comes from respecting human beings' ambitions and fears. In this case, we will make sure he feels welcome and comfortable. If he wants to leave, we don't foresee it but I cannot guarantee it, it would be very hypocritical of me."