HULL City's prized asset James Chester is ready to end all uncertainty over his future by putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal before the end of the month.
And with a £2.25m deal for Birmingham's Curtis Davies also close to completion, manager Steve Bruce is hopeful of securing a double defensive boost ahead of the Tigers' Premier League return.
A welcome conclusion to Chester's protracted contract saga is now understood to be close after progressive talks between City and the defender's representatives in the last fortnight.
Although nothing has yet been signed by the 24-year-old, he has indicated his willingness to sign a bumper four-year deal before returning for pre-season.
Although two offers, the first in December and the second following promotion in May, fell short of Chester's expectations, a middle ground has been found that will fend off the interest of Aston Villa before the defender enters the final year of his current deal.
Chester could soon find a new defensive partner arriving in the shape of Davies after Bruce earmarked the 28-year-old as his top defensive target and the cash-strapped Blues are willing to trade with their former boss.
Davies, previously of West Ham and Aston Villa, boasts almost 100 Premier League appearances and has been identified as an astute long-term option in City's defensive line. Sources close to the player have told the Mail that Davies is keen on a top-flight return.
City's pursuit of Davies, though, will not see defender Jack Hobbs directly involved in any transfer.
The Mail understands City are reluctant to become involved in exchange deals this summer, believing a player's market value is not met in such circumstances.
Birmingham remain keen on Hobbs as a potential replacement for Davies and, if a fee can be agreed, the Tigers would be willing to trade.
The arrivals of Davies and Maynor Figueroa, who is also comfortable on the left of a three-man defence, means City's defensive ranks are bloated.
With Chester and Paul McShane both expected to sign new deals, and Abdoulaye Faye and Alex Bruce unlikely to move, the sell-on value of Hobbs, who only has 12 months on his deal, pushes him closest to the KC exit.
Meanwhile, City's pursuit of striker Charlie Austin has been accelerated and although reports from Lancashire suggest Burnley have rejected a £3.5m offer, City are still confident an agreement of nearer to £4m can be reached.
• Complete fixtures for Hull City's 2013-14 Premier League season
