STEVE Bruce has declared his interest in bringing Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell back to the KC next month, but the Hull City boss remains unsure if a deal will be possible.
With less than three weeks remaining before the January transfer window, Campbell is understood to sit top of Bruce's wish-list for a forward that would breathe fresh impetus into their Championship promotion bid.
City's ambitious bid for the 25-year-old has been discussed at boardroom level in recent weeks, with owners Assem and Ehab Allam willing to provide "full support" to Bruce.
Campbell, who is out of favour under Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill, memorably inspired City to promotion through the Championship play-offs when on loan in 2007-08, scoring 15 goals in 34 appearances.
Bruce is a keen admirer of the England international after bringing him to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United in 2009 and admits a reunion would appeal.
However, as Campbell enters the final six months of his Sunderland deal with the potential to become an in-demand free agent next summer, there is a sizeable question mark hanging over any proposed move.
"It's never easy to talk about players when they belong to someone else," Bruce told the Mail.
"I took him to Sunderland for a lot of money and, a bit like David Meyler, he's had a tough time with injuries.
"I'm mindful of how well he did here and I like him both as a player and a boy.
"If it was possible then we'd certainly have a look at it but I'm not sure it is possible. We'll just have to see how things pan out."
Although Campbell is the Tigers' preferred target, Bruce is keeping an open mind as he looks to January.
"We've got our targets," he added. "There's one or two irons in the fire as we speak but a manager's job should always be to be proactive."
Much of City's business will hinge on the futures of David Meyler, David Stockdale and Robbie Brady.
All three currently hold down starting positions but are due to see their loans end on January 2 after a New Year's Day trip to Blackpool.
Both Manchester United's Brady and Stockdale of Fulham have voiced a desire to remain part of City's promotion push, while Meyler is also thought to be open to an extended loan from Sunderland.
"I'll be speaking to the respective managers over the next few weeks," Bruce added, on the eve of hosting former club Huddersfield at the KC.
"I can't really worry about whether or not they'd be called back but I would love to secure all three if it was possible. I don't know if there's any chance of that but it's something that we're looking in to."
