Jordan Rhodes: Hull boss Steve Bruce says deal 'dead and buried'

Blackburn broke their transfer record to sign Jordan Rhodes from Huddersfield in 2012

Hull City manager Steve Bruce says a deal for Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes is "dead and buried".

The Tigers had made two bids for the Scotland international.

Bruce, who added that he is close to signing a different striker, also criticised Championship Rovers' handling of the "debacle".

"It's dead and buried," he said. "We got an indication from Blackburn that they were willing to do a deal and that obviously changed in 24 hours."

Bruce claimed he had received mixed messages from the Lancashire club and added that he felt sorry for the player.

"It's disappointing for everybody concerned, but more disappointing, I would presume, for somebody like Jordan."

When asked about other targets, Bruce said: "We're close to one or two things, very close on one in particular, which will be a fantastic addition if we pull it off, but until it's really, really rubber stamped then I'm not going to say much.

"I really don't want to comment after last week's debacle on Jordan Rhodes."

Bruce signed Spurs defender Michael Dawson on a three-year deal on Tuesday

A Blackburn statement released last week read: "The owners wish to reassure fans that their intention is not to sell Jordan Rhodes.

"They, along with the manager and board of directors, feel that he is integral to our bid to gain promotion back to the Premier League."

Rovers manager Gary Bowyer revealed on Thursday that the Championship club had received an enquiry for the 24-year-old, who signed a new contract in July.

Rovers paid Huddersfield a club-record fee of £8m for Rhodes in 2012 and he has since scored 54 goals in 100 games.

Hull have money available after selling Shane Long to Southampton.

Saints paid £12m for the Republic of Ireland international and Bruce has said he plans to use that money to bolster his squad.

Asked how keen he was for Rhodes to remain a part of his squad before Blackburn's fixture with Bournemouth on Saturday in which Rhodes scored, Bowyer added: "From a footballing point of view, there's no decision to be made in my eyes.

"You're guaranteed a minimum of 25 goals, which he's proved over the last four seasons.

"He's the best finisher I've ever worked with. If my opinion was asked, it would be a big fat 'no' and we shouldn't sell him.

"I understand there's the lure of the Premier League and the finances that would be involved. It's out of my hands, but footballing-wise it's a no-brainer."