Tigers clinch Hunt deal

Hull have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Stephen Hunt for what has been described as “a sizeable fee”.

The 29-year-old winger, who reportedly carried a £3m price tag, returns to the Premier League four years after joining Reading on a free transfer from Brentford.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond said: “Stephen Hunt has been a very effective player in the four years he has been at Reading Football Club, and given us great value.

“He developed enormously as a player here, coming to us on a free transfer and going on to become an established international player.

“He has made it known for some time that he was ready for a new challenge, and this is a good move for all three parties.

“We wish him all the very best for the future.”

Hull boss Phil Brown also revealed the addition of 25-year-old Celta Vigo striker Kamel Ghilas to the Tigers' squad and said he was still hopeful of snapping up Real Madrid’s Alvaro Negredo.

It is the potential signing of Real forward Negredo which is likely to cause the greatest stir, with Hull doing battle with the likes of Roma, Zenit St Petersburg and Villarreal for the £12m rated player.

“These are two more additions and they will add strength and depth to the squad. Stephen is well known in the English leagues and we are hopeful he will add strength to the midfield with regard to scoring goals and providing goals," Brown said.

“Kamel is a product of our scouting network. We’ve worked long and hard scanning Italy, Spain, Germany and a few other places. A lot of people may not know Kamel now but that will change over the course of the season.

“As for Negredo, it has been four to six weeks since we first started speaking to Real Madrid but it is hard dealing with a club of that stature. In terms of European football they are number one, two or three.”

He added: “There are times when you think it is 95% certain and then something happens and it’s 50-50 again."

“But we’re still working on it. In time for the Chelsea game on Saturday? I don’t know.”