HULL City are braced for an anxious final week of the transfer window as they attempt to boost their Championship promotion hopes by landing top targets Ahmed Elmohamady and DJ Campbell.
Manager Steve Bruce has enjoyed slow progress in his bid to recruit City's preferred pair this week and appears set to need patience ahead of next Thursday's deadline.
The Tigers' pursuit of Campbell, in particular, remains delicately poised as negotiations continue with QPR.
City would prefer to see the 31-year-old striker arrive on a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move, but the continued presence of Crystal Palace makes QPR's bargaining position strong.
Palace would also prefer a loan arrangement but the potential £12m sale of Wilfried Zaha to Manchester United before next week would change the landscape dramatically.
City, who have already spent £3.5m on David Meyler and Robbie Brady this month, could find themselves drawn into a bidding war to land Campbell on a permanent deal next week.
Although a second move for Elmohamady, who was recalled by parent club Sunderland last week, carries far greater clarity, City are also awaiting the Black Cats to strengthen before another loan is sanctioned.
Should either Campbell or Elmohamady remain with their current clubs beyond next Thursday's deadline, City would still be able to recruit through the emergency loan system. Such deals, however, are capped at 93 days.
Bruce continues to monitor Egyptian striker Gedo as a possible option, but a lack of experience in the English game would make the 26-year-old a gamble in January.
City's business is unlikely to be limited to incoming players.
Paul McKenna and Cameron Stewart have both been told they are free to move out on loan next week.
