Hull need to sign a new striker before deadline passes

Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes is being linked with a move to Hull

Hull City has had two bids for Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes rejected, the latest believed to be in the region of £8million.

The Tigers look in need of extra firepower before the transfer window slams shut.

Partnership

Last January the Tigers brought in striking duo Shane Long from West Brom and Nikica Jelavic from Everton.

The signings were seen as a signal of intention from the side from Humberside that they were determined to stay in the top-flight.

The pair did just enough to keep the Tigers in the Premier League, without ever being prolific in front of goal. They worked well as a pair and combined well to form a very good partnership.

Loss

Shane Long recently left the club for Southampton for a club-record fee of £12million. Tigers boss Steve Bruce did not want to lose the Republic of Ireland international, but everybody involved in the club admitted that the offer was too good to refuse.

Although never prolific the former-West Brom player will be a loss, even if it is just for his work rate. Long will give hundred per cent in every game and hassle opposition teams. No opposition team likes to play against Long.

The transfer fee that was received for Long was obviously a very good one, but it leaves the Tigers short of senior strikers.

Struggle

Last season Hull was the fourth lowest scorers in the Premier League last and really did struggle to find the net. Their relative defensive solidarity was the key to the Tigers staying in the top-flight.

The likes of Jelavic and Yannick Sagbo are never going to be prolific in the Premier League and the pair is now the only senior strikers available. Sone Aluko and George Boyd can play up front, but neither will be a regular scorer in the top-flight.

Rhodes

Jordan Rhodes is a player who has scored a lot of goals in the lower leagues with Blackburn and Huddersfield before his stint at Ewood Park. Last season the Scotland international scored 25 goals and was believed to be attracting attention from a host of top-flight clubs.

Rhodes seems to be a natural born goal scorer and at 24-year-old still has time to establish himself as a goal scorer in the top-flight. The striker has already worked hard to establish himself in the lower leagues and deserves the chance at a higher level.

Blackburn have stated they do not want to sell their star asset, but if the Tigers maintain their interest then Rhodes may just feel that now is the right time to move to a higher level.

Calculated Risk

If reports are to be believed the Tigers may have to spend all of the £12million received for Long if they are to sign the Scottish international. Signing an unproven striker at the top level for such a big fee is no doubt a risk.

However, Rhodes does look like a player who is a goal scorer and somebody who just needs a chance to prove himself in the Premier League. Signing Rhodes may be a risk, but it seems like a calculated risk.

Hull does play some very good football at times and they are crying out for a poacher up front, which they thought they had signed in Jelavic. However, the Croatian international has not been able to replicate the form of his first six months in English football with Everton.

Extra Games

Hull may have extra games this season with European football potentially a factor this season. The Tigers lost the first leg 1-0 of their Europa League qualifier at Belgian side Lokeren. However, they are very much still in the tie.

If the Tigers do turn the tie around then that could mean more games this season for Steve Bruce’s side. Two senior strikers do not seem to be enough for them to stay competitive in all competitions.

Expected

Hull is expected to be active in the transfer market before the transfer window shuts. It seems that it could be vital for the Tigers that they manage to strengthen their attack. If not then it could be a long hard season for the side from Humberside.

Does Hull need to sign another striker?