According to officials at Maierhofer's club Rapid Vienna, Hull have lodged a £1.5m bid for the former Bayern Munich striker who was in Austria's preliminary squad for Euro 2008.

Although manager Phil Brown is still chasing Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell, the acquisition of Maierhofer would add a new dimension to his attacking options.

The beanpole striker, 26, is regarded as Austria's version of Peter Crouch with the height to out-jump most defenders as well as an eye-for-goal.

He spent two seasons in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich but made only two first-team appearances before joining Rapid Vienna on a three-year deal last season.

Summer signings Marlon King and Geovanni started Hull's opening game of the season against Fulham – with strikers Craig Fagan, Dean Windass, and Caleb Folan on the bench – but Brown has made no secret of his desire to strengthen again before the close of the transfer window.

Campbell's availability may hinge on Manchester United's ability to land Dmitri Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur.

Unless that happens, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson still needs the 20-year-old to provide cover in the absence of Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo and Louis Saha.

Campbell, who was a major hit on loan with the Tigers last season, was back at the KC Stadium on Tuesday night for the England Under-21 international's friendly victory over Slovenia

He was given a hero's welcome by the Hull supporters watching the game and refused to rule out another spell with the club, saying: "I obviously have a very special relationship with the fans and I'll always think very highly of the club."

When questioned about the possibility of returning, he said: "Why not? We will just have to wait and see what happens."

Manager Brown, meanwhile, has confirmed that Windass still has a role to play at the club this season despite being left on the bench against Fulham.

"There's no room for sentiment in football," said Brown. "That doesn't mean to say that there'll never be a place for Dean Windass to start. He brings a lot of experience to this squad. He's keen to get his first start, like a lot of players, and hopefully that will come sooner rather than later."

Midfielder George Boateng collapsed after Saturday's win and is now doubtful for the trip to Blackburn Rovers.