Hull stay patient over pursuit of Campbell and Elmohamady

The Tigers are comfortably Yorkshire’s biggest spenders this month with £3.5m having been doled out for David Meyler and Robbie Brady.

Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale has also been brought in on loan, but manager Steve Bruce remains keen on adding QPR striker Campbell and Elmohamady, the latter having spent the first half of the season at the KC Stadium before being recalled by parent club Sunderland two weeks ago.

Agnew said: “January is January, it is always difficult, no matter how quickly you want to get deals done. But every club that is selling wants as much money as they can possibly get.

“It has been quiet this week, but I am sure that is down to people having one eye on the FA Cup. I am sure it will heat up next week and I would probably think it will go down to the last day.

“With regards DJ Campbell, we are hopeful. There are several Championship clubs interested and let’s just say that we are in the race.

“The talks are ongoing between the two chief executives. The gaffer has had a chat with all the people involved, too.

“Elmo was unfortunate because he was loving his time here and playing really well. Sunderland taking him back was a blow, but we need to be a little bit patient.

“We will probably have to wait for Sunderland to make moves before it has an effect on whether Elmo comes back quickly.”

Asked if the two deals would be loans or permanent transfers, 
Agnew replied: “These deals are so complicated these days that it is difficult to say whether it would be permanent or a loan.

“Negotiations have maybe been ongoing for a week or so (over Campbell) now and the manager feels it is one who he would like if he could get it over the line.”

Hull are set to loan veteran midfielder Paul McKenna to Fleetwood Town and Agnew added: “Paul has been frustrated because he’s a senior player who hasn’t played as often as he had done in the past.”