Hull City transfer news: Tigers boss Steve Bruce still hopeful of securing Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes

Tigers boss looking to strengthen his squad after Europa League defeat

Hull City manager Steve Bruce (Getty Images)

Hull City manager Steve Bruce says the East Yorkshire club are still optimistic a deal can be done for Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes despite having two bids rejected.

The former Sunderland boss has pushed signing a new forward to the top of his agenda after the club-record £12m sale of Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long to Southampton last week.

The Tigers had been interested in Watford's Troy Deeney but the Championship club's high asking price appears to have resulted in them cooling their interest.

Bruce has since switched his attention to Rhodes, valued at around £12m, and saw an opening £8m offer rejected earlier this week.

Dr. Assem Allam, the Hull chairman, is locked in talks with Blackburn representatives but an agreement is yet to be made between the two parties.

“I knew last night that there were conversations going on between the two clubs. That’s as far as I know really so far,” Bruce told Sky Sports News HQ.

Jordan Rhodes has been hot property in the Championship in previous seasons

“It’s something that we’re trying to progress if that’s possible. It’s always difficult when you’re talking about other people’s players but there has been a bid lodged.

“I believe the first bid was refused but I do believe the two clubs are still talking.”

Rovers, however, are putting up a stern fight for the man who scored 25 goals in a Blackburn shirt last season.

Later releasing a statement on their official website, stating their intentions to keep hold of the prolific 24-year-old, they appear in no mood to sell.

"We have recently received two official bids for the services of Jordan Rhodes from Hull City FC, both have been respectfully and categorically rejected," the statement read.

"The owners of Blackburn Rovers wish to reassure fans that their intention is not to sell Jordan Rhodes as they, along with the manager and board of directors, feel that he is integral to our bid to gain promotion back to the Premier League."