Crystal Palace target injured Aluko

Sone Aluko

Nigeria international Sone Aluko is sidelined until February with a torn Achilles, but Crystal Palace have targeted him as the forward who can shoot them to Premier League survival.

And the Hull City know they must cash in on the 24-year-old in the New Year or risk losing him for nothing when his deal runs out in the summer.

Hull boss Steve Bruce is still hopeful he can persuade a player he signed on a free from Scottish side Rangers 15 months ago to pledge his long-term future to the club.

But he revealed there will be no fresh talks until Aluko returns to action.

Bruce confirmed: “Sone has turned down our latest offer, which was a very good one, and there won’t be any more discussions for the time being.

“All contract talks at the minute will be put on the back burner, and we shall concentrate on getting Sone fit.”

Managerless Palace, who prop up the table with just four points, are the top flight’s lowest scorers with only six goals from their opening 11 league matches.