Hull City boss Steve Bruce has dropped a big hint to suggest West Ham United are interested in Tigers midfielder Tom Huddlestone, and admits he will be powerless to prevent him leaving.

The 28-year-old has a release clause in his contract which would allow him to leave the KC Stadium if a club matches the fee stipulated in his deal.

Although the former England international remains with Hull for now, Bruce is fearful of losing the ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder before the transfer window closes on September 2.

The Tigers boss also suggested the powerful midfielder is a target for Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Bruce said: "I am sure West Ham, like anybody, knows he has a buy-out in his contract and if they get to that figure I am powerless."

"The agents will be touting him around everywhere, which I know they are. But there's nothing I can do."

Huddlestone made 32 Premier League appearances last season without scoring for Hull. He moved to Humberside from Spurs in 2013 for £4 million.