Given linked to Hull move

Hull, who were recently promoted to the Premier league, are being linked with former Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given.

The Donegal man wants to leave Aston Villa following a season on the bench as Brad Guzan claimed the number 1 spot.

Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn, David Meyler and Robbie Brady are already part of a large Irish contingent at the club.

Hull boss Steve Bruce is understood to have a transfer budget of up to £15m, with a goalkeeper a priority.

They have made their first signing since winning promotion, turning George Boyd’s loan deal into a permanent contract.

The 27-year-old Scotland international joined from Peterborough in February and was available on a free transfer after his contract expired at the end of the season.

He has agreed a two-year contract in East Yorkshire, the club confirmed in a statement on Twitter.

Boyd made a big impact upon his arrival at the KC Stadium, scoring four goals in five games in March to win the npower Championship player of the month award.

He did not score again as Hull stumbled slightly before sealing second place on the final day of the season, but ended the campaign with 11 goals – seven of which came for Peterborough.

Prior to arriving at Hull, Boyd was expected to sign for Nottingham Forest in the January transfer window but the move fell through due to an “inconclusive eye test” – much to the frustration of then Forest boss Alex McLeish.

Another loanee, Fulham’s David Stockdale, ended the season as the club’s number one but Bruce is believed to be unwilling to meet the Cottagers’ £3m valuation.