Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic says the club are "speaking with a lot of players" as they continue to prepare his squad for the start of the Premier League season, but their pursuit of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is "a mess".
The Tigers have already made seven permanent acquisitions so far this summer, but are expected to be busy in the last two weeks of the window.
"For me, it is a little bit difficult because the market is going too slow," Jakirovic told a special studio discussion with BBC Radio Humberside on Tuesday.
"Like every head coach I would like to have my team at the beginning of pre-season but it is not possible.
"I know it is difficult but we are working a lot and speaking with a lot of players. The players are a little bit crazy because agents, players, clubs want a lot of money but we are trying to find balance.
"We have signed seven players so far and another two today or tomorrow - defenders. We are also looking for three or four in positions that we need and I hope we will be successful in that."
Hull have been in talks with Aston Villa over a move for Bailey at various times throughout the summer, but Jakirovic says the move is currently "off".
"I don't know right now what is happening there but it's a little bit, I think, a mess. I can say like this," he added.
"If I need to beg somebody to join us, to play for Hull City in the Premier league, then it is better to stay and don't come because if you don't feel this club, that you can help us and sacrifice for the team - not just Leon Bailey but in general - then it is better to stay in your club and we will try and find somebody else.
"What I know, today it's off. But also, it was off three weeks ago and then again on."
Listen to the full show below or on BBC Sounds
Leave a Comment