Brown also wants Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell, but has pulled the plug on a proposed swoop for Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore.

After spending several weeks negotiating away from the public gaze, Brown's summer recruitment drive is starting to gather pace.

French international defender Bernard Mendy, Brazilian midfielder Geovanni and striker Craig Fagan have already joined the Premier League newcomers and Brown plans to unveil another five or six new arrivals before the start of the season.

Dutch international Boateng, 32, was finalising his move yesterday subject to passing a medical, as Brown confirmed his interest in Davis.

Brown says he would be interested in the former Fulham and Tottenham player 'if the player was available'. However, Brown has ditched a move for Davis's Portsmouth team-mate Traore because the Mali international defender wants Hull to 'stand by' as a second choice should a return to French football collapse.

"I spoke to the player, and I was interested, but he made reference to wanting to stay in France," said Brown. "He said he would, of course, come to England if we were available as a second choice, but I don't want that kind of attitude. I want Hull City to be a player's first choice – and I didn't get that vibe from him."

Mendy, who previously played in the Premier League with Bolton during Brown's time as assistant manager to Sam Allardyce, has quit French club Paris St Germain to sign a three-year deal with the Tigers despite getting ribbed by compatriot and Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

"When I spoke to Patrice, he said 'where is Hull?'" said Mendy. "But when I spoke to other friends they said Hull was very nice, the guys are very cool, and it is only one hour from Manchester."

Mendy has vowed to have the last laugh on Evra when their clubs meet next season.

"When Manchester play Hull, we will win 1-0 and I will score the winning goal," he laughed.

Brown plans to make a decision on the future of South African winger Delron Buckley, who is on trial from German club Borussia Dortmund, after tonight's friendly at Winterton.

He is still in the market for a centre-back, but, despite reports, says Spurs' Anthony Gardner is too expensive and team-mate Ricardo Rocha too small.

Dean Marney, Will Atkinson, Michael Turner and Nick Barmby scored as Hull beat North Ferriby 4-0 last night.

Sheffield United striker James Beattie has been omitted from the club's pre-season tour of Europe as speculation continues about his future at Bramall Lane.

The club record £4m buy from Everton is officially staying home for treatment on a 'calf strain'.

Rotherham United's creditors yesterday rejected a revised Company Voluntary Arrangement, but the club will lodge an improved offer in the hope of avoiding a points deduction by the Football League.

Clubs are docked a minimum of 15 points if they exit administration without a CVA.