Soccer

Hull finally make a summer signing and break transfer record

The Tigers signed Ryan Mason from Spurs before also capturing Will Keane from Man United

Hull have announced the club-record signing of Tottenham and England midfielder Ryan Mason. Photo: John Walton/PA Wire
Tue Aug 30 2016 - 17:19

Hull have completed the signing of Ryan Mason for a club-record fee.

The sum they will pay Tottenham for the 25-year-old midfielder remains undisclosed, but Hull have confirmed it is a new record.

Mason will further strengthen their squad following the earlier signing of goalkeeper David Marshall from Cardiff, and becomes the latest to leave White Hart Lane for East Yorkshire, following Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Michael Dawson.

He has signed a three-year contract after costing the club in excess of the £10million paid to recruit Abel Hernandez in 2014, and told their official website of his arrival: “I can’t wait to get started and I see this as a massive opportunity for me.

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“I’m delighted and excited to be here.”

Mason established himself as a regular starter under Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and earned his first and only England cap in the 1-1 draw away to Italy in March 2015.

The progress of Dele Alli and Eric Dier last season restricted his first-team chances but he is expected to significantly strengthen Hull’s squad.

Before Marshall’s arrival, Hull had only 14 fit senior players. Their two new signings, however, combined with six points from three games and the impressive work so far of caretaker manager Mike Phelan has led to optimism they can survive in the Premier League despite their difficult preparations for the season.

“Having spoken to the people up here, I didn’t need any convincing,” said Marshall. “It’s all about having that new, fresh challenge to look forward to.

“I feel that this is a club that is going places, especially when you look at the start they have made to the Premier League season.

“There are only four or five goalkeepers in this division who can categorically say that they are their club’s number one (goalkeeper).

“Of course I anticipate a battle for the jersey. You can’t take anything for granted and I’m here to fight for a place.”

Hull later confirmed their third arrival of the day — striker Will Keane from Manchester United.

The 23-year-old, who worked with Phelan during the latter’s time as assistant manager, has signed a three-year contract having also arrived for an undisclosed fee.

“I’m delighted to move here,” he told Hull’s official website.

“It’s a fresh start and a new challenge for me, so I’m really looking forward to getting things underway.”