HULL City will step up their chase for Burnley hitman Charlie Austin this week as he has emerged as their top striking target.
Austin, who hit 28 goals for the Championship side last season, was one of two at the top of manager Steve Bruce's wish list for the summer, alongside Celtic's Gary Hooper.
Initial bids for both men of around £4m and £4.5m were rejected last week, and whilst City haven't given up hope on either, a focus will be placed on progressing talks over Austin this week.
The 23-year-old, who has scored 45 goals in 90 appearances for the Clarets, has just a year remaining on his deal at Turf Moor and has made it clear to those representing him he is keen for the chance to prove himself at Premier League level.
With the Tigers making a firm offer last week, and Austin now entering the last year of his deal, Burnley are reluctantly bracing themselves for his exit.
Having initially placed a £7m price tag on the player's head in a bid to stave off interest, Burnley will now look to secure maximum value on their star man.
However, sources have told the Mail City are confident they can hold firm and push for a deal closer to their own valuation for the 23-year-old.
Whilst City are confident over room for movement in talks over Austin, their bid to bring in Celtic's Hooper looks less promising.
The Scottish giants have made it clear to all interested parties that they are in no mood to negotiate at present, and are not willing to move away from their own £7m price tag.
City's first approach was immediately rejected last week, and with Norwich manager Chris Hughton keen to bid again having missed out with a £6m offer in January, City fear the Hoops could look to drag them into a bidding war.
Elsewhere, City have today confirmed the signing of defender Maynor Figueroa.
The Tigers also continue to make progress on talks with members of last season's promotion winning squad.
Defender James Chester, who has a year remaining on his present deal, at the KC Stadium, is said to be comfortable with how recent negotiations have progressed.
Paul McShane and Liam Rosenior also look close to agreeing new terms, whilst winger Ahmed Elmohamady will sit down with club officials next week to iron out the final details of a proposed three-year deal.
The Egyptian, who was the club's Player of the Season when winning promotion from the Championship on loan from Sunderland, has been away on international duty.
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