Transfer news: Hull admit defeat in bid to sign Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede

Hull City manager Steve Bruce has admitted defeat in his bid to sign Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede.

I enquired about him and the answer came back not at the sort of figures we’re talking about.

City were reportedly close to agreeing a fee of around £4.5million for Gestede, who has scored 25 goals in 50 matches since joining Rovers from Cardiff City in 2013.

However, Bruce confirmed on Friday that the 26-year-old France-born Benin international would not be joining the club.

“I called Gary two or three days ago to clarify the situation and we talked briefly. It was a non-starter before we got anywhere,” said Bruce.

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“I enquired about him and the answer came back, not at the sort of figures we’re talking about. It’s not going to happen.”

Bruce remains desperate to bolster his firepower and has vowed to work "every hour God sends" to find the right man.

He added: "It's always a key end of the pitch and you're only as good as you strikers. If they're fit and everyone's healthy, we're in a good place, but they're not at the moment.

"That's one area we'll look to do something. There's one or two things going on at the moment, but it's unlikely today or tomorrow, so we'll go with what we've got. It's an important time. It is going to be difficult."