Tigers close to landing new striker with ‘real instinct’

Grant McCann says the club plan to sign a new forward next week. Picture by Hull City

Hull City plan to boost their firepower by signing a new striker next week.

Boss Grant McCann says the target is someone who has a “real instinct” for the No 9 position and can play “on the shoulder”.

It is hoped a permanent deal could be finalised next week, but McCann could not say more as it was likely the player would be in action with his current club at the weekend.

Speaking at an online press conference ahead of the Sky Bet Championship clash at Fulham on Saturday, McCann said: “We are looking to add a forward player to the group. We are quite close, but like I say, not close until it’s actually done.

“It will probably be the early part of next week by the time it gets done. But we want to add, of course we do.

“To add numbers to the forward area of the pitch is key for us and we want to bring something different to what we’ve got up there.”

McCann said the target was someone who could play “through the middle” and would be different to current City forwards such as Josh Magennis and Tom Eaves.

He described the player as “more of an on the shoulder number nine”, a role they had been looking to fill all summer.

“We wanted to bring somebody in who has that real instinct of that number nine position,” he said. “It’s nearly there, we are just waiting on the go-ahead.”

Another striking option would be a timely boost for City, who have failed to find the net in two home league games since the thrilling 4-1 win on the opening day of the season at Preston.

The Tigers boss said the atmosphere in those two home games had been “brilliant”, adding: “The fans have been excellent; we are disappointed we never gave them anything to shout about.”

He said the Fulham fixture would be “tough”, but he wanted the side to go there with “more bravery and more zest about our game”, and get back to its “counter-pressing” style.

City face one of the division’s promotion favourites in Fulham, who are managed by former City boss Marco Silva.

McCann said it was “as we were” in terms of injuries, with Mallik Wilks, George Honeyman, and Ryan Longman still on the sidelines, and Alfie Jones “doubtful” for the Fulham game, while George Moncur is suspended.

The Tigers boss said Longman’s scan had come back clear, and although the Fulham match was probably “too soon” for the forward, he should be back in contention next week.