Bruce monitoring Graham, cools Bendtner link

Hull City manager Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest in Danny Graham, but conceded a move for Nicklas Bendtner is unlikely.

Bruce is determined to bolster his attacking options as the club attempt to defy the pundits predicting that Hull will make an immediate return to the Championship following promotion last season.

Having seen a deal for Burnley striker Charlie Austin collapse due to a failed medical, Bruce has turned his attention to other transfer targets and has been linked with Sunderland striker Graham and Arsenal forward Bendtner.

Graham has yet to score for Sunderland since joining from Swansea City in the January transfer window and Bruce is monitoring his potential availability.

The former Sunderland boss told the Hull Daily Mail: “There’s lots and lots of players and it’s always wrong for me to talk about them, but (Graham) is someone where there’s been a bit of interest.

“He hasn’t had the best of times in the north-east but he’s a very, very good player.

“Whether it’s possible, who knows?

“It’s something that we’re looking at but we haven’t done anything just yet.”

Bendtner and Bruce have worked together previously at Birmingham City and Sunderland, but the 25-year-old’s wage demands may scupper any chance of a third reunion.

Bruce, who on Monday completed a deal to sign veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper on a one-year deal, added: “He’s on a lot of money at Arsenal.

“I can’t see us being able to get anywhere near those types of levels that Nicklas is at.

“He’s another one where we’ve looked so maybe.”