Hull City look set for a real battle to retain their Championship status this season after spending the majority of the opening 17 matches in and around the relegation zone. 

Nigel Adkins' side currently sit in 22nd place in the second-tier table on just 16 points, but remain only two behind 18th placed Preston North End.

Things seem to be on the up at the KCOM, however, with the club winning two of their last three matches to drag them back into survival contention.

But, with just four wins all season, there is no doubt that there is still plenty of work to do at the club.

Opportunity for improvement is not far away with the January transfer window opening in just over a month, and managers across the Football League will be eyeing up potential targets as well as choosing who to chop.

Here, then, are the realistic deals we can see being struck at the KCOM this winter...

Burton has been out on loan in the National League with Chesterfield so far this season and will return in January.

When he does, he will most likely be on his way out again.

He has failed to prove his worth with the Spireites and there is most likely no long-term future for him with the Tigers.

Stephen Kingsley remains the club's first choice left-back and, despite doing a good job, he will need some backup.

With Bryan Oviedo likely to leave Sunderland in order to free up space on the wage bill he would be a great acquisition for the Tigers.

The Costa Rican would be a real attacking presence for Adkins and well worth bringing in.