The Newcastle boss believes that he has cash to spend and United are understood to have made several summer enquiries – although Hughton is cagey on whether that interest extends to formal offers. “We are working hard to bring in players but at this point I wouldn’t like to say whether or not we have made any bids,” he said. “I know that the supporters are anxious to hear what is going on but we would prefer to do our business in private.” United’s confirmed targets include Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck of Manchester United and Manchester City pair Dedryck Boyata and Vladimir Weiss, who is keen to join Newcastle. Top-quality young players are obviously on the agenda but Hughton insists permanent signings are his priority. “We’re looking at all of the options, not just loans,” he said. “There will always be possibilities to add loan players and good quality loan players, but that is a bonus on top of what we’re already doing at the moment. “We’re exploring all avenues at the moment.” Meanwhile, Hull yesterday confirmed the appointment of former Newcastle coach Nigel Pearson as their new manager. Pearson, 46, who steered Leicester to the play-offs in the npower Championship last season, has signed a three-year contract at the KC Stadium and will start work as fellow former United No 2 Iain Dowie’s successor immediately. Dowie took the job on a temporary basis in place of Phil Brown, who was placed on gardening leave midway through last season and was subsequently dismissed following the club’s relegation. Hull’s head of football operations Adam Pearson said: “We are delighted to welcome a manager of Nigel’s experience and calibre to the club. We feel it’s a real coup for Hull City and that Nigel is the best man to mould the existing squad into a competitive Championship team. “Nigel had two outstanding seasons at Leicester City and I feel sure this experience and winning formula will ensure the very best chance of bringing success back to the club.” The Tigers have also appointed Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh. The pair were Pearson’s assistant and first-team coach respectively at Leicester. | 
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