Phil Brown remains optimistic that Hull City can complete a deal for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo.
The Tigers are in talks with the Spanish giants regarding the 23-year-old frontman, with a Ј12million move touted.
Hull have been busy in the transfer market of late, finalising swoops for Stephen Hunt, Kamel Ghilas and Jozy Altidore.
Their success stands in stark contrast to their efforts earlier in the summer, where Brown was frustrated at every turn as he endeavoured to bolster his squad.
The Tigers boss has been buoyed by the spate of recent arrivals, though, and insists he remains in contention to land Negredo.
"It has been four to six weeks since we first started speaking to Real Madrid but it is hard dealing with a club of that stature," he said.
"In terms of European football they are number one, two or three."
He added: "There are times when you think it is 95 per cent certain and then something happens and it's 50-50 again. But we're still working on it.
"In time for the Chelsea game on Saturday? I don't know."
HonourWhile Brown is adamant that he remains in the hunt for Negredo's signature, the player's agent has hinted that the Tigers may be left disappointed.
Alejandro Camano claims his client would prefer a move to Roma, although the Serie A giants have yet to reveal whether they would be willing to sanction a permanent move for the striker, rather than a loan switch.
"Negredo wants Roma but...," Camano told Corriere dello Sport .
"We are ready to wait for Roma for another two or three days, (sporting director) Daniele Prade knows all this, as he knows the player's choice would be the Giallorossi shirt. Negredo would be honoured to play for Roma.
"But Real, in the light of offers that they have received, now prefer to sell him.
"And now it is up to the Giallorossi to come into the race, opening talks with the Madrid management.
"But they will have to buy him."
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