Steve Bruce hopeful Hull City’s placing will persuade players to stay

The Tigers have stumbled lately in the race for promotion, but remain in good shape, just three points adrift of second-placed Derby County and five behind leaders Middlesbrough.

January is expected to be a nervous time at the KC Stadium, with players such as Curtis Davies, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone and Ahmed Elmohamady having already been linked with moves to clubs struggling near the bottom of the Premier League.

Asked about the upcoming window, manager Bruce said: “January is coming around quickly and I do have a similar feeling to last summer when the window was last open. Obviously, we don’t want any of our key players to leave.

“Maybe us being where we are in the table can help in that respect.

“We are up near the top and looking to maintain that challenge. I appreciate we are not yet at the halfway point, but we have an outstanding chance. Players can see that. It is certainly a better prospect for all of us than being 12th or 13th.

“I do worry but, then again, I am also looking myself. If someone comes along that can really help us then we will have a look at that.”

Bolstering a forward line that, Abel Hernandez apart, is yet to spark truly into life this term could be a priority, while injuries to Dawson and Alex Bruce mean Hull have just two fit centre-halves this festive season in Davies and Harry Maguire.

Bruce added: “I don’t think just because we have just lost to Rotherham that we have to be looking at January.

“I have always said if there is someone out there who can improve us then I will always knock on the door. That is my job.”