Hull City have obtained a work permit for Uruguay striker Abel Hernandez, but do not expect to see him arrive at the club for two weeks.
The 24-year-old is expected to wrap up his £10m move from Palermo over the weekend, but still has to obtain a visa before he can train with the Tigers.
With an international breaking following tomorrow's trip to Aston Villa, he will have to link up with his national side for their friendlies against Japan and South Korea next week.
But Bruce is confident the Tigers have done all they can to get his signature signed sealed and delivered before Monday's 11pm transfer deadline.
He told the Mail: "We're obviously close to Hernandez. There are a few tiny little bits to sort out but I expect him to be a Hull player by the time the transfer window closes.
"He's got to go outside the country and get his visa so there's no chance of him playing at Villa. Then he's got international duty with his team so we won't see him for a couple of weeks though."
Eager to strengthen his squad before the deadline passes, Bruce is working hard to secure two more deals and has admitted being keen on Chelsea midfielder Marco Van Ginkel.
However, he is not sure the Blues are willing to offload the midfielder, who has also been linked with a season-long loan to AC Milan.
Explaining his transfer plans, Bruce said: "I expect two or three in. Talks are ongoing.
"We've lost the creativity that Robert Snodgrass would have given us, so we'll try to find a replacement if we possibly can. We are looking at all avenues.
Asked about a move for Van Ginkel, 21, he added: "I don't know if it's possible that Chelsea would let him go out.
"Obviously, there's a few clubs that have been linked with him and if he became available then of course we would be interested. But I'm not so sure that he is available."
Having admitted their interest in Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley earlier this week, City remain in the hunt for the 25-year-old's signature.
But they will face competition from Aston Villa, who have lodged a bid of £7m and held talks with him, as well as from Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who he worked with on-loan at Wigan.
"If there's a deal to be done to try and sign someone like Tom, then of course we'll be interested," added Bruce.
Meanwhile, Bruce has dismissed speculation linking midfielder Sejad Salihovic with a move from Hoffenheim and says there is nothing in it.
At this stage, he is also not expecting anyone to leave the KC and admits strengthening his squad remains the priority.
• Hernandez has pedigree to be Premier League goal machine
