Hull City transfer news: Steve Bruce has not given up chase for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes

Steve Bruce chasing two or three players before the window closes

Only way is up: Jordan Rhodes’ ninth-minute penalty gave Rovers the lead (Getty Images)

Steve Bruce will continue in his chase for Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes, even though the Championship club insist he is not for sale.

Rhodes, 24, has been sensational since he moved to Ewood Park in 2012, with 53 goals in 93 Championship matches.

Bruce is an admirer of the striker and thought he had struck a deal before this weekend, before Rovers rejected a cash-plus-player deal, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

The paper report that the Hull boss will not give up on Rhodes and is looking to bringing two or even three players before the window closes on 1 September.

Michael Dawson could increase Hull's ex-Tottenham contingent, while Rhodes may be tempted to hand in a transfer request to push a deal through.

Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer travelled to India at the weekend to hold a meeting with the club's owners, Venky's.

Bruce said: “It’s up to me to bring two or three in.

“We’re close to one in particular that we hope we can get over the line.

Steve Bruce could bring in two or three players before the end of the window (Getty Images)

“I thought I had Jordan Rhodes 24 hours ago, but it seems to be further away than it’s ever been, and we’ve been negotiating for a week.

“We don’t know 100 per cent just yet, we’ll have to wait and see.”