Front-runners named in race to sign Jens Hjerto-Dahl after Rangers twist
The 20-year-old was seen as a leading target for Derek McInnes' side, but after it became clear they could not match his asking price, they have cooled their interest.
As a result, the newly-promoted Premier League outfit have moved into pole position to agree terms with Tromso, and are confident of getting a deal over the line.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Hull's status as a Premier League club has given them the egde on rivals in the race.
Hjerto-Dahl remains a key target for clubs in the Championship, Premier League, in Scotland and across Europe, but Sergej Jakirovic's side are well-placed to win the race.
Meanwhile, reports in Norway have suggested an agreement is close between Hull and Tromso, with the Tigers prepared to pay a significant fee to get a deal over the line.
How has Rangers' stance boosted Hull's transfer plans?
Football Insider revealed on 31 July that Rangers have pulled out of the race to sign Hjerto-Dahl as they are unable to match the lofty asking price Tromso have set.
Hull City, however, are expected to be capable of reaching the £8.5million demand thanks to their status as a Premier League club, with rivals unable to compete.
Regardless of the interest from elsewhere, Hull are confident of getting a deal over the line, and are now making efforts to win the race for Hjerto-Dahl's signature.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Rangers have withdrawn from the race for Hjerto-Dahl. He was a top target for them. They had a bid rejected of around £5million.
"Tromso have been holding out for a high fee of around £8.5million, which Rangers were never going to get to, but some of the other interested clubs might.
"Other clubs are interested like Cardiff City and now Hull City as well, and Rangers would have had it hard to compete.
"Especially with Hull City, who could bring him to the Premier League, and that has put them in a strong positition to get the deal done, because other clubs can't offer that.
"The money involved in Premier League football and the opportunity to play at the highest level will no doubt appeal to the player.
"So if Hull do follow up their interest in him, it looks like that will be his most likely destination, rather than a move to Rangers or potentially Cardiff City."
Which other clubs are interested in signing Hjerto-Dahl?
Despite the strength of their interest, Hull and Rangers are far from the only clubs who have been keen to lure Hjerto-Dahl away from his boyhood clubs Tromso this summer.
Clubs across Europe have been keeping a close eye on his situation, with the likes of Leeds United and Brighton having sent scouts to keep tabs on his progress in the last 12 months.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 2 August that Cardiff City are alongside Hull in the race to sign Hjerto-Dahl after being boosted by Rangers' decision.
Cardiff have been long-term admirers and hoped to lure him to Wales this summer, but competition from newly-promoted Hull is set to complicate their pursuit.
The Championship club had been confident of beating Rangers to the punch with the allure of a move to the Championship, but they could be pipped by Premier League rivals.