HULL City boss Steve Bruce has left the door open for late business in the transfer window as he scours the market for an 11th and final summer signing to strengthen his attack.
Despite suggesting last week that further
additions would be "highly unlikely" at the KC Stadium, Bruce is keeping an open mind ahead of Monday night's deadline.
An extra-time Capital One Cup victory over Leyton Orient on Tuesday saw Matty Fryatt, Nick Proschwitz and Aaron Mclean all struggle in their bid to promote from within and ensured Bruce continues his search during the final five days of trading.
Everton's Victor Anichebe has been one target touted in national reports, but City would need to off-load at least one forward to find the funds for any sort of deal.
It also remains unclear as to whether the Toffees would be willing to see the gifted 25-year-old depart.
Unlike the last three seasons in the Championship, where City have been able to make the most of loan deals outside of the window, the squad Bruce has at his disposal after Monday's 11pm deadline will be the one that guides them through 16 Premier League games until January.
The City boss is aware of his squad's current limitations and the huge demands that will be placed on them until the new year.
"You always question yourself whether you've got enough strength in depth because after Monday we've got to go with what we've got until January. A manager never says never," Bruce said.
"It's going to be difficult. There's going to be something like 16 games before the window opens again and you have to hope you get the rub of the green.
"If you get a bit of luck we've got a chance. If we lose five or six to injuries then we'll be up against it."
However, Bruce denied any rash decisions would be in light of Tuesday night's flat
performance at Brisbane Road and said: "I played people out of position, and I put two young kids (Conor Townsend and Calaum Jahraldo-Martin) in who did well off the bench but it was a difficult night.
"I don't think I'm going to make any judgments on one game.
"I've said it before, we'd only be interested in people who could improve us."
