Hull City Tigers boss Steve Bruce is hoping for a breakthrough in his search for new midfielders after holding talks with Evian's Mohammed Rabiu.

Bruce and Managing Director Nick Thompson left the Tigers' 3-0 win over Real Betis at half-time and flew to France to accelerate their chase for new signings ahead of the Premier League kick-off.

Top of the wish-list is now believed to be Rabiu and the Mail understands Bruce met the 23-year-old Ghana international and his representatives on Sunday.

Evian have already sold Yannick Sagbo to the Tigers this summer are also willing to sell Rabiu for the right price, but City's chase could be complicated after interest was also lodged by an unnamed Russian club.

However, Bruce will hope his decision to fly to France is vindicated and that City can conclude a deal in the next 48 hours.

Rabiu is a defensively-minded midfielder with experience in Italy with Sampdoria and Udinese and would fill the void in a department Bruce has prioritised in the transfer market.

Previous attempts to sign Stoke City's Wilson Palacios have come to nothing and Bruce is willing to take a chance on the raw potential of Rabiu.

The trip to France will also have been used as an opportunity to speak to Marseilles' Morgan Amalfitano.

The 28-year-old has been on City's radar for the last month after it became clear the France international would be available on a season-long loan.

Little resistance will come from Marseilles but Amalfitano has been in need of persuasion to move to East Yorkshire.

Bruce has three weeks remaining before the transfer window closes on September 2 and is targeting at least two midfielders following the exit of both Corry Evans and Tom Cairney to Blackburn Rovers.