Hutchings has already secured Antoine Sibierski and Titus Bramble from Newcastle.
But there are other signings in the pipeline with Hulse, Murphy and Irish international Andy O'Brien among his reported targets.
Hulse is still recovering from the broken leg that prematurely ended his season.
Murphy was a target for Bolton last season after his first team chances were limited at White Hart Lane.
Dutchman Mario Melchiot's apparent reluctance to agree a two-year deal and hold out for an extra 12 months has persuaded Hutchings to look for other defensive cover.
Portsmouth centre half O'Brien would certainly fit the bill and, at 27, the Yorkshireman is four years younger than former Chelsea player Melchiot.
Hutchings has laughed off the bookies odds on him receiving an early P45 next term: "It makes me laugh to be honest and I'll have great delight in proving them wrong."
WIGAN chairman David Whelan has sold his stake in the JJB Sports company he founded for £190m.
Former Manchester United player Whelan founded JJB in 1971. He has now sold the Whelan family stake of 29% to a joint venture formed by Icelandic financial group Exista and Chris Ronnie.
Whelan said: "Retiring from the board and selling my stake in the business I founded has not been an easy decision. But it has been made easier by my confidence in the management team."
Whelan, 70, became chairman of Wigan in 1995, leading the club from what is now League Two to the Premiership.
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