STEVE Bruce has hinted Hull City's search for new midfielders is to be focused on the continent after struggling to make the breakthrough in an inflated English market this summer.
The Tigers are hunting at least two new signings to bolster a midfield depleted by the exits of Tom Cairney and Corry Evans last week.
Although their moves to Blackburn Rovers, on loan and in a £600,000 deal respectively, have freed up room on City's wage bill, Bruce has encountered obstacles in his attempts to strengthen.
The Tigers' pursuit of Stoke's Wilson Palacios appears no closer to a resolution but the fruits of Bruce's labour could instead come in the European market.
Marseille's Morgan Amalfitano is understood to be high on City's wish-list if a season-loan can be approved, while Evian trialist Eric Tie Bi is also being assessed during the current tour of Germany.
Bruce said: "I wouldn't be surprised if we went abroad. I look at (Yannick) Sagbo and ask where could I get someone like him for that money in England? You can't.
"The value for money in England isn't there. I'd love to find a 23-year-old Englishman for the right price but where are they? That's a shame. The simple fact is that we're not producing them.
"I wouldn't be frightened to go abroad. I've done it before and I'd do it again.
"I know everyone is a little bit anxious and wondering if I've lost the plot, but we've still got a month to go. We've got work to do but be patient are the famous words."
Bruce's comments are at odds with national reports yesterday that City were keen on a £4.5m deal for Sunderland's Jack Colback. Although Bruce is an admirer of his former midfielder, the Black Cats are believed to be unwilling to sell.
It remains to be seen if the Tigers can find the right deals before the new season begins at Chelsea in 13 days, but City's pre-season campaign showed its greatest promise yet in Saturday's 1-0 win at Dynamo Dresden.
Yannick Sagbo required only 14 minutes to mark his first appearance in City colours with a goal, latching on to Sone Aluko's pass to finish expertly.
Bruce was delighted with the impact of his £1.6m signing and said: "I hope there's a lot more like that to come.
"The one thing he does offer you is that ability to run in behind. We've not had that.
"The mere mortal can ask 'what does that mean?' but he wants to get behind defences with his pace. Once he was there he took his goal extremely well. Let's hope there's another 15 to come in the big league.
"He's only been with us since Wednesday after going home to get things sorted and the more he's away with us, the more integrated he'll get with the lads. He's looking forward to playing in England.
"He's got those attributes – pace, power and strength – and he's got a nice touch too.
"It couldn't have been a better start for the kid could it? It's better that he scores early than it go the other way. Let's hope there's more of that but for the first showing he did okay."
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