Hull City are closing in on the signature of George Boateng. It is understood that the club have agreed terms with the Dutchman, and the Tigers' chairman Phil Duffen confirmed a deal was almost in place to bring the player in from Middlesbrough.

"He's coming in for his medical and to sign contracts on Monday," Duffen told Radio Humberside.

"He couldn't come in earlier because he's gone to fulfil a commitment in France playing in a charity match to raise money for Africa.

"All things being equal, obviously the medical has still got to go through but short of formalities we're there with George now which is great.

"He's a player of real quality and real class with a fantastic track record and will be exactly the sort of character that we need in order to ensure we fight our second season in The Premier League a year hence."