Exclusive: The Tigers are hoping to make three signings ahead of tonight’s deadline

Hull City are working on a deal to sign young defender James Furlong from Brighton and Hove Albion ahead of Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline, Hull Live can reveal. The 21-year-old is valued highly by the Premier League club and only penned a new two-year deal at the Amex Stadium earlier this summer, but City are understood to have secured a permanent deal.

Furlong is a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international and spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, where he made 16 appearances. Though he’s yet to play in the Premier League for Albion, Furlong was a regular for the Under-21 side on the South Coast, playing 75 times in Premier League 2, he did make his senior bow in a Carabao Cup tie against Forest Green.

City head coach Liam Rosenior has been keen to add cover to his defensive ranks having been forced to use Jacob Greaves on the left side of defence in the absence of Ruben Vinagre over the past three Championship games. The Tigers had George Cox on trial during pre-season but opted against pursuing a permanent move for the former Seagulls defender, and bringing in Furlong will allow Brandon Fleming to leave the club on loan before the deadline.

There has been interest in Furlong throughout the summer, but so far, nothing has come of it, but it looks like a move to the MKM Stadium is now close.

Speaking earlier this summer about Furlong’s progress with Albion, Under-21s boss Shannon Ruth said the youngster’s progress had been helped significantly by the loan at Fir Park.

“He has progressed well over the past two years since stepping up into our Under-21 programme and then he had a really valuable loan at Motherwell earlier this year where he got his first exposure to first team football.

“He featured heavily in their team as they finished the season strongly. This was an important experience at this stage of his career. He will be looking to ensure that the new season is just as positive as the last and that he continues to progress.”

City expect to confirm the arrivals of Jaden Philogene and Tyler Morton before the window closes, which would likely complete their business for the day.