Kyle Lightbourne's immediate future hinges on whether or not he can extend Hull City's season.

Lightbourne, placed on the transfer list by Third Division Macclesfield Town, is on loan at the Silkmen's league rivals until the end of the term.

However, Macclesfield chairman, Colin Garlick told the Royal Gazette yesterday that much could depend on whether or not the Tigers make the play-offs.

Hull are currently ninth, three places outside the cut-off zone, and the end of the season is fast approaching.

Garlick said though the transfer deadline was nearing and Lightbourne had been on the transfer list since the middle of last month there was no sign of any other deal in the offing.

"Hull City are the only club to express an interest in Kyle at this stage," he said. "That deal is a temporary loan until April 20 with an option to extend the loan if Hull City make the play-offs.

"A permanent move I think would depend on how Kyle does while he is on loan."

Garlick confirmed that Macclesfield would take the player back if he is not offered a switch to Hull. Lightbourne has one year of a two year contract to run.

Meanwhile, another factor regarding the Bermudian's future could be arrival of a new manager at Boothferry Park.

According to reports, former Liverpool star, Jan Molby, now manager at Third Division Kidderminster Harriers, is set to take over the Hull seat vacated earlier this year by Brian Little.

Tigers chairman Adam Pearson confirmed Molby was the man he wanted at the helm.

"Jan Molby is someone we have looked at very closely but any details being banded about regarding contracts or money for signings are very premature and very wide of the mark," he said.

Shaun Goater, meanwhile, believes Manchester City should prepare themselves for more matches like their last two against Stockport and Rotherham.

Stockport are already relegated but beat City 2-1 and Rotherham, Goater's old club, are in the lower reaches but managed a home draw against Kevin Keegan's men.

"This is what we should now expect from the teams we meet in the final five games," said Goater of his table-topping side. "Barnsley will be fighting for their lives, for instance ... teams will lift their performances because they are playing Manchester City. We should only expect teams to play as Rotherham did on Saturday."

City have Wolves breathing down their necks, and West Brom, who beat Crewe 4-1 last night, are not out of the hunt entirely.

However, Goater believes City will secure their promotion to the Premiership soon.

"We will not leave it to the last day," he said. "And I think the good for us is that the next game on Saturday is at home. It will be a hard game but we will have the backing of our fans and the chance to play our type of passing football on the big pitch."