Our daily blog with the latest news, transfer rumours and gossip about Hull City in the Premier League.Hull City need three more players
Peter Swan says Hull City need at least three more players before the close of the transfer window as the Tigers face playing 10 extra games before Christmas.
"Provided that's the case, I see no reason to suggest everything will fall apart this season," Swanny tells today's Mail. "This is still a very good group of players. The important bit will be juggling it all.
"Bruce will need a bit of luck along the way with injuries, but there's plenty of scope for chopping and changing to manage it all.
"This is a much more talented squad (than in the 2009-10 Premier League relegation season), led by a far more astute manager, and there's nothing to suggest to me that City will necessarily struggle."Bruce should look to Boye
Steve Bruce has so far been frustrated in his attempts to bring in a new centre-back this summer. And with moves for Sheffield United's Harry Maguire and Tottenham's Michael Dawson in the balance, Four-Four-Two magazine has put forward a new name for the Tigers.
In an analysis of World Cup stars who could move to the Premier League, it says Ghana and Rennes defender John Boye would be the ideal signing for City.
"Steve Bruce needs lots of centre-backs because of his use of a three-man defence, and Boye would be a decent signing – strong in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and very mobile too," the article argues.
Earlier this week Bruce played down speculation he was interested in another Rennes centre-back, the Cameroon international Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik.
Boye, meanwhile, is said to be joining the Turkish side Kayseri Erciyesspor.
But whatever the merits of Boye, most people are likely to know him chiefly for the spectacular overhead own goal he scored against Portugal in the World Cup. With that in mind, fans may well hope Bruce is not a reader of Four-Four-Two.Maguire and Robertson
Whether the Maguire deal is truly dead in the water, or whether City are simply engaging in brinkmanship over the fee, remains to be seen, but the Tigers are at least close to completing the signing of left-back Andy Robertson.
As we report today, the Dundee United starlet is due in East Yorkshire on Sunday for a medical and to finalise personal terms.
But who caved in to who over the fee for the 20-year-old?
Scotland's Evening Telegraph says United held out for £3m, forcing the Tigers to finally stump up. However, as we understand it, the fee will be £2m, with add-ons that could see it rise to £3m.
Says the Telegraph report: "Thursday had started with (City) indicating an offer of £2.5m made late on Tuesday night would be their final one.
"Tigers manager Steve Bruce, however, urged his board to make one more attempt and that led to talks re-opening yesterday afternoon.
"By mid-evening, it was apparent an agreement was close and, around 10pm, confirmation came a deal in principle had been reached.
"That has paved the way for Hull to complete Robertson's signing in time for Friday's Europa League third qualifying round signing deadline."
Just over a year ago, Robertson was playing with amateur club Queen's Park in the bottom tier of Scottish football. Now, he will have a chance to continue his meteoric rise in the Premier League.Steve Bruce 16-1 in sack race
Steve Bruce can do no wrong in the eyes of many Hull City fans, so few would entertain the idea he might be the first boss to face the sack this season.
That's largely reflected in bookies' odds that have him at 16-1 to be shown the door before any other manager.
I'm guessing few punters will want to take that bet.
Alan Irvine of West Brom is the 4-1 favourite to be given his cards first, with Harry Redknapp 13-2 and Paul Lambert and Alan Pardew at 7-1.
Interestingly, Ronald Koeman joins Bruce on 16-1, but with Southampton shorn of some of their best players this summer, he might well be a good outside bet.Barnsley look to end losing streak
Hull City will be looking for a good run-out at Oakwell today ahead of their Europa League adventure next week, and opponents Barnsley also have something to prove.
Danny Wilson's new-look squad have lost their last three pre-season friendlies, with defeats to Halifax Town, Al Ain and Torino.
Wilson is bedding in six new players as he prepares for the club's first season back in League One.
Today's match kicks off at 3pm. Admission prices are £10 adults and £5 concessions. Supporters will be able to pay cash at the turnstiles.
