Steve Bruce: 'Hatem Ben Arfa deal started at 6pm'

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has revealed that their pursuit of Hatem Ben Arfa was only put into motion five hours before the 11pm transfer deadline.

The Tigers signed the Frenchman on a season-long loan deal from Newcastle United, and required an extension from the Premier League to seal the switch.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Hull boss said: "[Ben Arfa] had been on the radar for a while, and we just quietly went about it. We made a phone call at 6pm this evening and that's when it developed. It's took four or five hours [to complete] but it took off at 6pm.

Bruce also added Gaston Ramirez and Mohamed Diame to his ranks and he is hoping that the pair can make an immediate impact at the KC Stadium.

"I said when [Shane] Long went out, and then of course, George Boyd went to Burnley, and Robert Snodgrass got injured, we had to bring in a midfielder, so we're delighted to get Diame and Ramirez," he added.

"Diame has got great experience and I'm hoping they can come in and hit the ground running."

Hull host West Ham United on September 15.