Nicky Hayen addresses Hull City’s interest in Florentino Luis

New Burnley boss Nicky Hayen admits there’s a good chance Florentino Luis will leave to join Hull City.

Reports emerged earlier today that the Premier League newcomers are interested in securing a deal for the midfielder - although there have been contrasting reports about whether it will be a permanent or an initial loan.

The 26-year-old only recently became a full-time Clarets player after his season-long loan from Benfica was obligated to be made permanent for a fee of around £20.8m.

But following last season’s relegation to the Championship, interest has emerged from the Tigers, while it’s claimed there are others in the Premier League who are casting an eye.

Hayen, speaking to the local media for the first time today, was honest and up front in his assessment of the speculation.

“What I can tell about Tino is that he's very, very professional,” he said.

“You don't see it on the training ground that there's interest from Hull City. He's giving 100 per cent every day and this is actually the mindset that I like.

“So no, he didn't tell me that he wanted to go, but I know, what do you do if you have a Premier League team coming to knock on your door? Of course, you're interested to go, so he will be interested and if all the terms are right, probably he will go.

“But then it's up to us to find a new solution, okay, even a better solution because Tino is a top player. But of course, we aim always for the highest and Tino is a very important player. But we always look for the highest standard.”

The Portuguese man made 33 appearances in all competitions and largely struggled to live up to his billing as a former Champions League player as Burnley were relegated from the Premier League.

The speculation comes in the wake of an unusual social media post from Hull owner Acun Ilicali, who hinted at the club’s transfer targets on his official X account in response to “false speculation”.

He went on to put numbers from four to 11 with the flags of countries and percentages next to them as he suggested how close Hull were to signing players of those nations.

A Portugal flag, a possible nod to Florentino, was posted alongside the number 80 per cent, suggesting a deal could well be close.

When asked if he’s expecting Florentino to be part of Burnley’s squad for Sunday’s friendly against Ajax, Hayen replied: “This is a minute-by-minute decision, so you never know if it's still a few days, a week, or maybe they change their mind.

“So one thing that we try to do here as a club also, we try to control the controllables. We don't lose energy in the things that we cannot control, so we will see what happens and if he can make the trip, okay, fine.

“If he doesn't make the trip, we put our energy and all the players that will be available over here.”