Hull are close to naming a new manager, Press Association Sport understands.
The newly-promoted Premier League club have been looking for a successor to Steve Bruce following his departure on July 22, and former Watford and West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has emerged as the favourite for the job.
Reports in Italy on Monday said Zola, sacked by Qatari club Al-Arabi in June, had been the subject of an approach from the Tigers.
Wales boss Chris Coleman is another being linked with the vacancy, although the Football Association of Wales has stressed it "fully expect(s)" him to stay put.
It is understood an appointment is edging near, with Hull, who open their 2016-17 Premier League campaign by hosting champions Leicester on August 13, looking to have their new man in place by Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the east Yorkshire outfit have offered a new three-year contract to their midfielder Mohamed Diame amid reports Newcastle have met the Senegal international's buy-out clause.
Hull - with former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan currently in caretaker charge - are heading out to Austria on Tuesday for friendlies against Caykur Rizespor and Torino.
And they hope 29-year-old Diame, who secured their promotion with a superb winner in May's Championship play-off final and trained with the club on Monday, flies out to join up with the squad on Wednesday as scheduled.
Hull are in considerable need of a boost as they continue to prepare for their top-flight return, having thus far endured a turbulent pre-season.
Bruce, whose four years in charge saw Hull promoted to the Premier League twice and reach the 2014 FA Cup final, left following a breakdown in his relationship with the club's owners, the Allams.
Bruce's frustration grew as Hull failed to strengthen their squad this summer on the back of long-term injuries to his son Alex plus Allan McGregor, Michael Dawson and Moses Odubajo.
Source: PA
