• Premier League

Hull wrap up Jelavic deal

Jelavic played just 10 games for Everton this season, scoring twice in the FA Cup win over QPR © Getty Images

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Hull City have completed the signing of Croatia international Nikica Jelavic from Everton on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Jelavic, 28, had initially proved successful at Goodison Park after joining the club from Rangers in January 2012, but he struggled to replicate his early form and had fallen down the pecking order under Roberto Martinez.

The Everton boss had said he would allow Jelavic to leave the club in search of first-team football ahead of the 2014 World Cup, and he has now completed a move to the KC Stadium for an undisclosed fee.

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Jelavic told his new club's official website: "As soon as the manager called me, I realised straight away that he was really interested in signing me and that it is a great opportunity for me to come here. It is a good club, and we have a good squad. We talked a little bit, but it didn't take long to realise that it was right for me.

"It's a newly-promoted club, but I can see straight away that there is a lot of ambition here within the club and I hope that we can build on the great start to the season and become a really strong Premier League team over the coming years."

He added: "As a striker you need to be scoring goals and my target is to score as many as I can for Hull City. I don't look at specific numbers, but I try to give my best in every game.

"We have a really important period coming up. I have been looking at our schedule and I know we have a few games coming up against teams that are just below us in the table. I know that in the English Premier League there are no easy games, but we have to see this as a chance to pick up some points.

"If we can do that, it will only help to make our position a little more comfortable. I am looking forward to being a part of this club. I can already feel that this club is more like a family and I really feel that this will be a good move for me."

Martinez told Everton's official website that he had been happy to allow Jelavic to move on.

"We agreed the deal and it was down to Nikica to make his decision," he said. "I do believe when I spoke to Niki that he was clear that he wanted to join Hull. He felt he would get the opportunity to play the games he needs ahead of the World Cup."

Martinez said Everton would now look to bolster their attack.

"What is important is that Aiden McGeady arriving has given us a bit more strength in the wide areas and there are many flexible players who can fill in to that number nine position, but it (attack) would be an area that we are looking at before the window closes," he said. "We are looking at the options to see if there is a player with the right profile who would fit into the squad."

Hull City have completed the signing of striker Nikica Jelavic from Everton for an undisclosed fee #UTT pic.twitter.com/B4kuiHLJdG

— Hull City Official (@hullcityteam) January 15, 2014

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