HULL City boss Steve Bruce is hopeful of thrashing out a deal to sign DJ Campbell this weekend after identifying the QPR striker as the man to solve the Tigers' attacking concerns.
Bruce has acted quickly in response to losing top goalscorer Sone Aluko to injury this week by tabling an offer to land Campbell from under the noses of promotion rivals Crystal Palace.
Both clubs are thought to be willing to match QPR's asking price for the 31-year-old, but City will attempt to convince Campbell to head to the KC Stadium over the next 48 hours.
On a day that also saw goalkeeper David Stockdale complete his return to East Yorkshire on loan from Fulham until the end of the season, Bruce admitted his desire to make Campbell his fourth January signing.
"We're in discussions as a club with QPR and we hope that we can do something," Bruce told the Mail.
"If you look at what he's just done for Ipswich on loan this season, then he's clearly got ability at this level. I know him well. I took him from Brentford to Birmingham and I know he's a good player in the Championship.
"He's a very talented boy and he was scoring goals in the Premier League a couple of seasons ago. He'll do great if he comes.
"We're after a striker with a proven track record and he fits the bill. We're aware of interest from other clubs so we'll just have to wait and see what we can do."
Campbell has been the man in demand this month following a prolific loan spell with Ipswich in the closing months of 2012.
Palace boss Ian Holloway, who managed the striker during their time together at Blackpool, admitted his attempts to arrange a reunion, but Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy officially ended his interest yesterday when claiming Campbell had agreed to join a rival club on a three-year deal.
Bruce's interest in Campbell has peaked after missing out on namesake Fraizer, who earlier in the week made it clear he wished to join league-leaders Cardiff.
"There was a time when I thought we were edging closer to a deal for Fraizer, but for whatever reason it wasn't to be," said Bruce.
"I certainly don't think there's been any lack of ambition from us. The owners have done fantastically well over the last couple of years but there isn't a bottomless pit."
Having missed out on Fraizer Campbell and seen Ahmed Elmohamady recalled by Sunderland, Bruce yesterday enjoyed cause for celebration in the transfer market with a move for Stockdale.
The 27-year-old, who played five games for the Tigers during a loan spell cut short last month, has been allowed to return to the KC for a second time.
Stockdale met up with his City team-mates last night ahead of today's trip to Peterborough and given Eldin Jakupovic's uncertain recent form, the new boy will be thrown straight in at London Road.
Stockdale said: "It came as a bit of a surprise to everybody here when I was recalled a few weeks ago, but I'm very pleased to be back.
"I can't wait to get going again, and help the club continue in its push for promotion."
