From Johnny Davidson on rugbyleaguehub.com
Exclusive: Hull FC are closing in on a new coach for the 2021 season.
Rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands the Black & Whites want Salford Red Devils coach Ian Watson to take over at the KCOM Stadium next year.
It is believed Hull FC have made a big money offer for Watson, who is contracted to Salford until 2022, but who has a buyout clause in his contract.
Watson confirmed that Hull FC are interested in him, but denied any knowledge of a sizeable money offer made to the Red Devils, when contacted by Rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads today.
"I've not been told anything like that, just that there is an interest, but nothing concrete or anything further has happened," the 43-year-old said.
He is regarded as one of the best coaches in Super League, after getting Salford into this year's Challenge Cup final and last year's grand final.
In January this year Watson signed a contract extension with the Red Devils.
At the time he said: "I'm ambitious and I want to win things.
"To do that, you've got to build foundations and have them in place. The club are showing that they want to go in that direction."
Watson took over permanently at the AJ Bell Stadium in 2015.
The club's director of rugby & operations Ian Blease, and director Paul King, had both not responded for requests for comment when contacted by Rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads today.
Hull FC had also not responded when approached for comment by the time of writing.
The Black & Whites sacked head coach Lee Radford in March.
His assistant, Andy Last, has been in charge of the east Yorkshire club since then.
Last has won six out of 11 games since he took over.
Hull FC are currently in sixth place on the Super League ladder.
