Hull continue pursuit of £12m Negredo

Hull boss Phil Brown is refusing to admit defeat in his attempts to sign Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo.

The Tigers have had a £12m bid for the player accepted by the Bernabeu giants but increasing reports in Spain suggest a deal with Real Zaragoza is imminent.

But Brown, who has made bolstering his strikeforce his top priority all summer, is hoping the 23-year-old will fly to England today for talks.

Brown said: "We have done everything we possibly can and hopefully he is coming in today.

"There has been a lot of speculation ever since our interest (became known), not just in Spain but further afield.

"I was pleased we appeared to be the only Premier League team involved and he has made reference to wanting to play in the Premier League.

"It is fingers crossed and it is a waiting game."

Brown has already signed two strikers in the current transfer window in Kamel Ghilas from Celta Vigo and Jozy Altidore on loan from Villarreal.

But Brown will still continue looking for more firepower even if the Negredo transfer fails to materialise.

"Plan B on Saturday was Caleb Folan up front and he did a very good job," said Brown.

"I'm not saying we're not going to go into the transfer market to get another striker, we tried to make that our reference all pre-season.

"But what that does to players in the camp only time will tell."

Ghilas featured off the bench in Saturday's opening day Barclays Premier League defeat at Chelsea but Altidore missed out due to problems with his international clearance.

The 19-year-old reported for international duty with the United States last week but has been unable to return to the country due to red tape.

It means he is again likely to be absent as Hull host Tottenham in their first home game of the season tomorrow.

Brown said: "Between work permits, swine flu, international duty, biometric tests, psychometric tests - I've not even mentioned his passport yet - I don't think he's going to play any part tomorrow.

"He is still in the States but we are fairly adamant he will be on a plane on Thursday to train on Friday.

"The lad's very frustrated - he's a bundle of energy but he can't play.

"Hopefully he'll take that frustration out on somebody in the near future."

Brown was encouraged by his side's display at Stamford Bridge but the Tigers are still without a league win since March, a run now extending to 11 games.

"It's frustrating when you put so much into a game and don't get anything from it," said Brown.

"But we got off to a good start and have got to take the confidence from the defensive side of the game.

"We now have to bring that back to the KC Stadium. We have to improve our home form, no doubt about it."

Spurs, who beat Hull 3-0 in China in pre-season, opened their campaign with an impressive 2-1 win over one of the title favourites in Liverpool on Sunday.

Brown said: "Harry [Redknapp] and his team put in a performance against one of the top four from last season, with fighting talk after the game.

"Now they've got to show their mettle at the KC Stadium on Wednesday.

"It is a mouth-watering affair, whether it's their first or second team.

"Harry has got a whole plethora of great players in front of the back four."

As well as looking for new players before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, Brown is anxious to ensure one of his prize assets, defender Michael Turner, stays.

The 25-year-old, who has four years remaining on a contract signed in February, has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

Brown said: "Michael showed everybody on Saturday when he pulls on a Hull City shirt he wears it with pride.

"That is probably the reason there is a lot of speculation with regards to Michael Turner.

"I was happy with his performance on Saturday and hopefully he will continue tomorrow and after the deadline comes and goes.

"Then I'll have him for another six months at least!"