Swansea City have rejected a bid from Premier League new boys Hull City for striker Zan Vipotnik. The Slovenian's future has been a subject of speculation for much of the summer, but this appears to be the first time Swansea's resolve has been tested.
Vipotnik's impressive season
Vipotnik scored 25 goals in all competitions for Swansea last season, winning the Championship's Golden Boot. He has caught the eye of several clubs, including newly-relegated West Ham United, while Benfica are also believed to have held initial conversations about a move.
Hull City have now shown a keen interest, with insiders confirming the Tigers have made an opening bid. WalesOnline understands that bid fell short of Swansea's valuation of the player, which is around £20m.
Future uncertain
Whether Hull will return with an improved offer remains to be seen, but the 24-year-old's future is likely to remain a big talking point ahead of the Championship opener against Stoke City at the weekend.
Vipotnik's future has come under further scrutiny following the club's capture of Ross Stewart, although boss Vitor Matos has insisted the Scot's arrival has no bearing on the former Bordeaux man's future.
"We signed Ross because we believe it was an opportunity for us to catch a player with that right type of profile," Matos said. "It's nothing related to [Vipotnik] leaving or not. It's just what was a [good] opportunity."
"He brings leadership in a position where we needed experience of the league. He offers the same spontaneity in terms of the penalty box that Vipi (Vipotnik) has, he offers the same physicality that Adam can offer as well. So I think it's a good combination with what we have at the moment."
