Hull City defender Alex Bruce looks to be emerging as a makeweight in the deal to sign Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes.
Rhodes has been slapped with a £12m price tag by Rovers, who have told City he cannot enter talks unless they match that valuation.
Now, sources in Lancashire have suggested that the deal will also hinge on Bruce making his way to Ewood Park.
The 29-year-old was a trainee at Rovers, but left before making a first-team appearance and will know all about their top-flight potential.
Although he started the 1-0 opening day win at QPR, he did injure his back in the contest and didn't feature on the bench for yesterday's European defeat at KSC Lokeren.
Having seen Steve Bruce admit his interest in Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson has been rekindled, that could see Bruce Jnr fall down the pecking order at the KC should the move come off. James Chester, Curtis Davies, Paul McShane and new signing Harry Maguire also offer options at the heart of defence.
Capable of playing at centre-back, right-back and as a holding midfielder in front of the defence, Bruce has proven his quality in the Championship and may relish the chance of regular first-team football.
