STEVE Bruce admits Hull City would be keen to take Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson on loan for the season, if Arsenal are willing to send him out.
But the Tigers boss is well aware they will face a lot of competition for the England international, with West Ham, Swansea and Sunderland all reported to be interested.
Speaking after today's 1-1 draw at Barnsley, Bruce said: "We have to check to see if he is available, but I think there is a lot of competition. If he is available, we will be interested.
"We are a bit short defensively, so we will try to bring in two or three defenders in the next couple of weeks."
City are expected to secure the signing of Dundee United left-back Andy Robertson on Monday, with a four-year deal possibly on the table if he can agree personal terms.
Having splashed out £2m to bring in the Scotland international, a part-time player at Queens Park just two seasons ago, Bruce expects him to be a shrewd addition, even with the fee rising to £3m depending on various add-ons.
"We really, really rate him as a player and I'm sure he will be a big asset to us," said the City boss about the 20-year-old. "I'm sure he will be a very big asset to us."
City drew 1-1 after Shane Long diverted a kick from Tykes keeper Adam Davies into the net, but saw a mistake from substitute stopper Eldin Jakupovic gift the home side an equaliser from Conor Hourihane.
"I'd like to thank the fans who came to witness a horrible draw, fair play to them," said Bruce, who admitted it was anything but a spectacle. "Fortunately, everybody has come through today okay."• Steve Bruce says Hull City will check on the fitness of Curtis Davies (hamstring) Alex Bruce (Achilles) Allan McGregor (knee) and David Meyler, ahead of the Europa League match against Trencin on Thursday. "We hope to have them involved because the squad will be stronger if we have them in it," he said.
