Speculation is rife in the national papers this morning over who will replace Phil Brown as Hull City manager.

The Mail understands Iain Dowie is the leading contender, but plenty of others are thought to be in the frame.

The Sun says Terry Venables is the man Hull want to save them from the drop.

The Mirror says the Tigers want Mark Hughes as their new boss and he is the "shock candidate after three managers turned down the chance to take over at the KC".

It claims Hughes was "sounded out" a few weeks ago and said turned the job down, but Hull will go back and ask him again.

The Mirror also claims Portsmouth boss Avram Grant emerged as a shock possible contender late last night, while Venables and Dowie could come under consideration.

The Daily Mail says City chairman Adam Pearson is planning to meet Hughes for "one last ambitious attempt" to convince the former Manchester City manager to save the club from relegation.

It says the news emerged just as it looked as if former Bolton manager Gary Megson would be taking over the hotseat.

The paper also claims Dowie, Paul Jewell and Doncaster's Sean O'Driscoll are other contenders, although Alan Curbishley has been ruled out.