Hull could only offer the 'Toon Parasite' a fraction of the money he picked up at St James' Park ... a man who made more appearances at racecourses up and down the country than he did on the football field.
Phil Brown: "We are not at a discussion point just yet but let's remember that Michael is under contract at Newcastle and he is the type of person that honours contracts, and that is a quality that I fully respect.
"So, of course, I will be patient and we also know for certain that Michael will have a lot to consider because there is bound to be a lot of interest in his services when his contract expires at Newcastle at the end of this month (June).
"I have to emphasise this isn't a publicity stunt or anything like that. We are deadly serious about bringing Michael to Hull
"I think he's a reasonable man and just want the opportunity to speak to him to convince him that Hull is the right place to be."