The old double-edged promotion sword is in full swing, prompting the players of Championship play-off winners Hull City to speak out in an effort to secure a squad place in the club's debut Premier League season.

Okay, so perhaps the title is a bit mischievous, but having dumped Bristol City in the famed £60 million-pound match last weekend, there must be a few faces around the KC Stadium wondering why they bothered.

Just look at Derby - they kept faith with the likes of Steve Howard following their Wembley win a year ago and paid the price.

And with the Rams sent packing as the laughing stock of English football, Hull's players are beginning to get jittery at the thought of being discarded this summer.

Take Craig Fagan - on loan at the Humberside outfit from the 'Male Sheep' for the last three months.

"I don't know what's happening," he told the Hull Daily Mail. "I've tried to enjoy the celebrations but we'll wait and see what happens over the next couple of weeks.

"The manager has mentioned it many times since I arrived about coming back but the season has finished now and maybe it's time to start talking about it.

"I'd love to get the chance to play back in the Premier League and more so because it would be with Hull."

Even hometown hero Nicky Barmby is worried, reportedly asking for a new deal at the Tigers already. At 34 years of age, he must fear the club putting him out to pasture.

Wembley goal hero Dean Windass, despite his positively geriatric 39 years, should be safe though - can you picture Hull boss Phil Brown daring to tell him he's not needed? Not with a neck that size.

Coventry chairman Ray Ranson has warned cash-strapped Luton they will not be held to Ranson - sorry - for midfielder David Bell, despite interest from Norwich. Bell ended last season on loan at relegated Leicester City.

"We have made one offer which we think is fair - and that is our final offer."

Another club loath to release one of their men on the cheap is Tranmere, who will force Derby boss Paul Jewell to go to a tribunal if he wants to make left-winger Steve Davis a part of his rebuilding plans.

The Merseyside club's boss Ronnie Moore has meanwhile signed a new two-year deal.

Crystal Palace, thwarted in the semi-finals of the play-offs, want Benfica defender Jose Fonte on a permanent deal after he spent last year at Selhurst Park on loan.

"We have had a word with Benfica," revealed Eagles manager Neil Warnock, possibly tapping his nose and winking slyly.

Sheffield Wednesday, despite being saddled with tens of millions of debt, are apparently chasing striker Richard Offiong with £400,000 to throw at his club Hamilton.

He bagged 19 goals in helping them to win promotion to the SPL and is interesting several clubs.

The Star is always a treasure trove of possible moves and absolute guff, so try these on for size:

Barnsley and Championship new boys Nottingham Forest - remember them? - are to engage in bloody battle for the services of Lewin Nyatanga from Derby.

Charlton like the cut of Wes Hoolahan's jib, and will make an offer to Blackpool for the Oirish trickster.

Huddersfield have signed Keigan Parker from 'Pool on a free for the next two years.

And Burnley have failed with an improved bid for Northern Ireland striker Martin Paterson of Scunthorpe, 600k the offending figure.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport