HULL City have admitted defeat in their attempts to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his side's Europa League clash at home to Lokeren tomorrow, Tigers boss Bruce said a deal for Rhodes is now 'dead and buried'.

That comes after Rovers owners Venky's made it clear they have no intention of letting the prolific strikers leave by issuing a strongly worded statement hours before Saturday’s home success over Bournemouth.

Rovers, meanwhile, have signed Scotland U17s international goalkeeper Ryan Crump from Liverpool.

The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal and will provide competition for David Raya in the club's U21s team.