Hull City are believed to be weighing up moves for Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy and Cardiff City's Scotland international Ross McCormack.

Tigers boss Phil Brown has targeted the duo after missing out on the signings of Michael Owen, Marc-Antoine Fortune and Frazier Campbell this summer.

And although Brown has admitted that he has made a "substantial bid" for Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, he is keen to avoid a repeat of the last few weeks and is said to be preparing bids for both Murphy and McCormack.

Murphy, 26, is available for around £2.5million after new Sunderland manager Steve Bruce made it clear that he is surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light.

However, Brown will face competition for the Irishman's signature after the Black Cats reportedly accepted a £5million offer from Ipswich for Murphy and his team-mate Dean Whitehead, who has also bene linked with a switch to the KC Stadium during the close season.

Meanwhile, BBC Sport is reporting that Brown is preparing a £3.5million bid for McCormack after being impressed with the 22-year-old during his forst season in England.

The former Rangers ace joined the Bluebirds from Motherwell last summer for just £120,000 and enjoyed a phenomenal season at the Welsh club, netting 21 goals in just 38 games in all competitions.