Ricketts cash blow for Swans

SWANSEA City's hopes of a cash windfall have been dashed after Hull manager Phil Brown scotched speculation suggesting Sam Ricketts was set to leave the Premier League club.

Former Swansea defender Ricketts had been linked with a move away from the KC Stadium, with Portsmouth and Everton rumoured to be interested in the 27-year-old.

Bolton and Celtic were also thought to be tracking the £3m rated Welsh international who was a regular in the Hull side that dramatically survived top-flight relegation last season.

Swansea would have pocketed a percentage of any Ricketts transfer as the deal that took him away from Swansea included an undisclosed sell-on clause.

But Brown has insisted he wants the full back to remain with the Tigers as Hull plot a fresh Premier League assault.

"He has got another year left on his contract, so I fully expect him to be in for pre-season training," said Brown.