STEVE Bruce believes Hull City could have landed the biggest coup of the summer transfer window after completing a season-long loan deal for Danny Graham.
The 27-year-old striker finalised his move away from Sunderland yesterday when passing a medical at City's training base in Portugal.
Graham's arrival at the KC Stadium, where he becomes the seventh signing of the summer, signals another fresh start after just six months with the Black Cats.
Despite leaving Swansea for £5.5m in January, 13 games without a goal left Sunderland open to offers.
Bruce has been only too happy to offer Graham a lifeline with the Tigers and says a season-long loan represents an astute bit of business.
"For me, it's arguably the coup of the summer," Bruce told the Mail.
"When he became available on loan we felt it was a no-brainer. There's no secret that it hasn't quite worked out for him at Sunderland, sometimes that happens.
"But before that he had four years where he was terrific. He took the Championship by storm with Watford and then went on to Swansea where he did well again.
"Hopefully, a change of environment and a change of scenery will see him back to his best.
"He's a goalscorer and he's a finisher. When he gets in the positions, he usually scores. That's what we're hoping from him."
Graham arrived on the Algarve yesterday lunchtime and, after passing his medical in the afternoon, he joined his new team-mates for a light training session. The Gateshead-born forward will now come into consideration for tonight's friendly against Sheffield Wednesday in Albufeira.
Under the terms of the loan deal, Bruce has confirmed City will have an option to complete a permanent deal in 12 months.
"There's an option to buy at the end of the season and they've got a call-back option in January if they like," he added.
"We think it's a win win for both clubs. We're delighted we've got him and I'm sure Sunderland will be satisfied too. It hasn't gone so well for him there and they'll be looking for him to do well here to keep his value."
Bruce will not rest on his laurels in the search for new attacking blood and admits he could be close to signing a second striker.
The Mail understands that player is Evian's Yannick Sagbo and dialogue between the clubs has taken place in the last 24 hours. City hope a bid of £1.6m will be enough to seal the 25-year-old's signature.
