London (AFP) – Steve Bruce resigned as manager of Premier League newboys Hull City on Friday, according to several media outlets, just days after he held talks over taking the England job. 

The 55-year-old Englishman — who looks set to lose out to compatriot Sam Allardyce for the England post — had taken Hull up for the second time into the Premier League but is said to be unhappy about the lack of investment in new players.

According to The Daily Mirror that was his reason for tendering his resignation although the BBC say uncertainty over the future direction of the club as it is presently up for sale could also have played a role.

Bruce, who signed a new three year contract in March 2015, didn’t take training on Friday morning, the Mirror reported.

Ironically Bruce, who guided Hull to the 2014 FA Cup final where they lost in extra-time to Arsenal, could well replace Allardyce at Sunderland, who he managed from 2009-11.

Hull have yet to release a statement confirming his departure but the move would be awkward for the northeast club just weeks ahead of the beginning of the Premier League season.