Hull City Chairman Paul Duffen expects the credit crunch to restrict the number of transfers this January and hopes that might result in some bargains being available for the Tigers. Duffen said: "I think lots of clubs have gone public saying they are not going to be doing anything because of the pressure the credit crunch brings.

"Because of that, certainly, it means there might be some bargains out there as the mechanics of supply and demand kick in.

"January is a market where you have to choose very carefully. If it is an artificial market and it is not one you find value in, but this might be a different year because of the supply and demand involved."