Hull City manager Steve Bruce has apologised to West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland for reports claiming that the club have made approaches for their players.

The club moved swiftly to deny rumours that the club were close to signing striker Shane Long from the Baggies.

The Tigers have also been linked with a bid for Sunderland forward Steven Fletcher, but Bruce has insisted that both stories are way off the mark.

"First and foremost I really want to try and apologise to West Brom as a club," the Hull Daily Mail quotes Bruce as saying. "Nothing has come from us, and the same goes for another 'bid' for another striker. We haven't bid for anyone yet.

"I don't mind speculation but I would be disappointed if I was manager of West Brom or Sunderland because it's simply not true."

Hull are currently 10th in the Premier League table.