Hull City are planning to trump Newcastle for Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon.
The News of the World says Toon are in pole position to sign the ex-Leeds star but Hull have concerns over Kamil Zayatte, who endured a torrid time in midweek against Everton.
The Tigers hope to lure Kilgallon with a three- year deal worth around £25,000-a-week.
Brown has never replaced Michael Turner following his move to Sunderland and is keen to bring in another centre-back.
He believes Kilgallon could help shore up his leaky defence as the Tigers battle to stay in the top flight.