CHRIS Hughton has revealed Blues are close to adding to their ranks.

The Blues boss said he was hopeful a new player could be brought in within the next 48 hours.

With both Nikola Zigic and Marlon King suffering with injuries, another striker is the priority for Hughton.

He told the Birmingham Mail Blues did consider free agent Daniel Cousin but opted against proceeding.

And he also admitted an inquiry was made for Danny Rose but Spurs were not of a mind to loan out the full-back or wide man.

Tonight Blues take on Hull City at St Andrew’s (7.45) with again concern over Zigic (knee) and King (groin).

That contributed to Hughton and his staff stepping up their search for new blood, either out of contract frees or on loan.

“We’re hoping within the next two to three days that we’re able to bring somebody in,” Hughton said.

“My thoughts haven’t changed in that we’re still looking for the two or three we need to help guide us through the rest of the season.

“But it has been tough. The players we feel we could have got, or possibly might have been available, sometimes the circumstances have changed.

“I wouldn’t have expected it any other way. There’s no magic formula, a snapping of your fingers and then you’ve got the two or three players you want and need.

“But we are working very hard for that to happen.”

Cousin, 35, has an agreement in place to join Glasgow Rangers until the end of the season.

The Gabon international striker, who spent 2007-08 at Ibrox before moving to Hull, was released by Sapins in his homeland last month.

Hughton said: “There was an inquiry but it was one we decided not to follow up.”