STEVE Bruce insists Hull City will not be held to ransom as they bid to make a breakthrough in the chase for leading transfer targets this week.
City remain in talks with Sheffield United over central defender Harry Maguire and with Dundee United for the highly-rated left-back Andy Robertson.
Bids have so far been knocked back from both clubs this summer, but Bruce still aims to add Maguire and Robertson to a list of summer recruits that already boasts Jake Livermore, Robert Snodgrass and Tom Ince.
City are hopeful progress can be made before they begin their season in the Europa League a week on Thursday, but Bruce has emphasised the need for patience in a trying summer market.
"We've got one or two irons in the fire," he said, after watching City's 1-1 draw at North Ferriby United last night.
"I expect us to be a bit more active in the next seven days but we just have to be patient.
"The one thing that nobody will do is take our pants down. I'm too long in the tooth for that.
"We'll see if we can get these deals done and I hope we can get one or two over the line."
Bruce wants Robertson to become a new option at left-back following an excellent season in the SPL but has so far seen Dundee United hold firm. Although an offer of around £1.75m, including additional payments on appearances, was deemed insufficient City's pursuit of the Scotland international remains.
"We're interested," said Bruce. "We have made a bid that's been rejected at the moment so we'll see what develops over the next few days with that one.
"As far as we're concerned, we're still talking but in terms of getting it over the line there's still a bit to be done."
A similar impasse has been reached in the attempts to prise Maguire out of Bramall Lane. Two offers, of £1.5m and £1.75m, have been knocked back.
Bruce added: "We're talking, there's no secret there. I think we'll continue talking.
"Obviously, they've got their valuation and we've got ours and at the minute we're a little bit apart."
Although Bruce dismissed reports he had tabled an offer for Danny Rose, the interest in Tottenham team-mate Michael Dawson remains. The Spurs captain is currently on the club's tour of the US after failing to thrash out a proposed £4m move to the KC Stadium.
"It seems a bit of a stalemate at the moment," said Bruce. "It's not for me to broadcast what the problems are. Transfers take time and we're just going to have be a bit patient."
Bruce spoke after he watched City held by North Ferriby last night.
Another Tigers XI conquered Harrogate Town 5-0 at the same time and the City boss took heart from rising fitness levels ahead of competitive action in nine days.
Bruce added: "It's always the same here, Ferriby always make it difficult. The most important thing was that the majority came through 90 minutes.
"You can do as much training as you like, but the actual games are where you get the fitness levels in. We've come through it okay."
