Hull have completed the signing of Stephen Hunt for what the Championship club have described as “a sizeable fee”. The 29-year-old winger returns to the Premier League four years after joining Reading on a free transfer from Brentford.

The Republic of Ireland international, a second half substitute at Thomond Park last night, reportedly carried a €3.5 million price tag,

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 have also signed Celta Vigo striker Kamel Ghilas, a 25-year-old Algeria international and former Blackburn target, on a four-year deal.

The pair take Hull’s number of summer signings to four following the captures of Seyi Olofinjana and Jozy Altidore last week.

Manager Phil Brown had previously endured a frustrating close season in the transfer market with moves for players including Michael Owen, Fraizer Campbell, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Daryl Murphy and Habib Beye falling through.

The Tigers start their Premier League campaign on Saturday at Chelsea.