RICHARD Agar says his Hull FC squad will be stronger next season – despite making just one new signing so far.

But the Hull FC coach says his plans for 2011 will become clearer once the Black and Whites have finished their recruitment.

Hull have captured winger Will Sharp from Harlequins as their only signing from outside the club for next season, while Craig Hall is the only confirmed departure so far.

Placing the emphasis on the retention of key players, Hull are still hoping to negotiate with out-of-contract Lee Radford and Ewan Dowes.

They have not yet signed the reduced deals on offer and Hull's further recruitment hinges on the destination of the two forwards.

The Mail understands Agar is keen to keep his two vastly-experienced players, and both would prefer to stay with Hull.

But as it stands, no middle ground has been found and all parties continue to remain hopeful it will still happen.

While giving little away with regards to potential new arrivals, Agar is pleased by how his squad is shaping up.

"We don't feel we are far off and we think we will have a stronger squad going forward for next year," Agar told the Mail. "We are trying to get as much balance to the squad as we can."

When asked about the futures of Radford and Dowes, Agar said: "The speculation is there on all sorts of things, but at this stage we are keeping all contract discussions in-house. If we have some news on anyone staying or someone leaving, we will get it out there.

"At the same time, we are actively looking outside the club trying to complete our roster for next year.

"These things take time and nothing is ever done until it is done, so it is wrong for us to go out and speculate.

"We don't want to get fans' hopes up only for them to be dashed if some things don't come off. When we know for sure, we'll let everyone else know."