HULL City vice-chairman Tan Kesler claims Bristol City's Tommy Conway is "leaning towards Middlesbrough" after positive talks with Michael Carrick.

Hull are one of the clubs interested in City's wantaway frontman and made a bid for the 22-year-old.

But Kesler says the Tigers are now ready to accept defeat in their pursuit of Conway and move on to other targets. He claims Leeds United and one Sheffield club have shown an interest in Conway, while Burnley have also held talks with Bristol City and attempted to engineer a swap deal.

But Kesler claims Boro are in the driving seat. It comes just 24 hours after head of football Kieran Scott hinted that Boro were close to another signing after the capture of Micah Hamilton.

Scott said: "We're really happy (with our summer business). We started off quickly and now Micah has come to join us as well. We're not finished yet, we're still trying to do a bit more, but it's a good start.

"There's one or two bubbling away, one particularly, but I'll keep it in for now. But we're working hard to make it happen."

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Talks with Bristol City have been ongoing since Boro made a bid for Conway earlier this month. The striker has one year left on his current contract at Ashton Gate and has rejected extension offers from the Robins, who have now accepted they'll have to cash in this summer.

Hull are desperate to add to their forward line and although Kesler says they haven't completely given up on Conway, they've moved on to other targets.

He told BBC Humberside: "We were interested in Tommy. I'm not going to lie, we jumped in late. But they went out and spoke to Middlesbrough, Leeds and I believe Sheffield came in at some point.

"He found positive communication with Michael Carrick I believe and is leaning more towards Middlesbrough.

"But we're still in the picture. If he decides, we've spoken with Tim (Walter) and if he decides we'll be happy to take him.

"He's a very good player with potential, in the end, it comes back to the same point, if someone wants to not choose us or choose another club, happy days, we'll find a better option.

"It's about the club, our plan, the fans and our chairman's dream. If a player goes to another club I'm not going to say anything negative but look at the positive, maybe it's not meant to be for us. We want players to come here and do something special so they need to believe in the project.

"We are talking to two other strikers and in a very good state. We'll be good with the striker position."