Hull boss Phil Brown has admitted interest in Wigan's Kevin Kilbane but insists the asking price for one of the Republic of Ireland's most-capped players is too steep. He has also dismissed suggestions a deal for West Ham striker Luis Boa Morte is imminent.

The pair are among a number of players to have been linked with a move to the KC Stadium during the January transfer window.

Brown is eager to strengthen his squad to consolidate the Tigers' fine start in the Barclays Premier League but he insists no deals are close to fruition.

Brown said: "We have had contact with clubs both in England and abroad but there is nothing on a definite front at this moment in time. But there may be something in the near future.

"I am making calls to managers and agents on a daily basis. I think one or two things will happen."

One player Brown would like to bring in is Kilbane, who would offer experience and balance on the left. Enquiries have been made about the former Sunderland and Everton midfielder, but Brown claims the figures so far discussed are too high for a player close to his 32nd birthday.

"I am interested in Kevin, he has been a great part of Wigan's success story and played Premier League football for a number of years," Brown said. "He can play left-back, left-hand side of midfield or left wing but the figures that are being bandied around are too expensive, in my opinion, for a lad at the age he is at."

Some reports this morning claimed Hull had agreed a fee with West Ham for Portuguese forward Boa Morte but Brown dismissed them as wide of the mark.

"There has been no contact whatsoever with West Ham," he said. "Speculation will follow us throughout this month and Luis is just another one of the supposed players that we are interested in.

"As far as we are concerned there is nothing in it."

Hull are hoping to complete the permanent signing of defender Kamil Zayatte in the coming days after a successful loan spell.

A fee in the region of £2.5million was agreed with Swiss club Young Boys some time ago and Brown does not anticipate any sticking points.

In terms of outgoing business, veteran striker Dean Windass looks likely to become the highest-profile departure.

Out-of-favour defenders Wayne Brown, who had a spell at Preston earlier this season, and Ryan France are in talks with Charlton and Blackpool respectively over loan moves