Tigers sign Ince at second attempt

The FA Cup finalists have signed the 22-year-old, son of former England international Paul Ince, on a two-year deal at the KC Stadium.

Compensation with Blackpool has yet to be agreed and a tribunal may be necessary if a figure cannot be settled upon.

Ince, who ended last season on loan at Crystal Palace, had attracted interest from a number of other clubs, most notably Serie A club Inter Milan.

Ince travelled to Italy for discussions with Inter – one of his father’s former clubs – but opted to remain in England and look for a Premier League club.

He met with Hull officials last week and a deal was concluded after further talks yesterday.

Ince came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and had a loan spell at Notts County before moving to Blackpool in 2011.

He said on joining Hull: “It’s a great club with great ambition and I am really looking forward to the challenge here.

“Steve Bruce was a team-mate of my dad’s at Old Trafford and I have known him since I was a young boy. He was a big reason why I came here.

“I know he will look after me. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Bruce said: “I am delighted to have signed Tom. I tried to get him in the January transfer window, but couldn’t. It’s second time lucky for me and I know we have landed one of the country’s top young talents. Tom is a lad with a great future.”

On interest from Inter Milan, Ince added: “Inter Milan is an unbelievable club.

“But at my age and at this time in my career, I wanted to show what I can do in the Premier League.

“I feel I have unfinished business at this level.”

Ince is Bruce’s third signing of the summer after completing an £8m permanent deal for Jake Livermore from Tottenham – he spent the season on loan with the Tigers – and landing Robert Snodgrass for £6m from Norwich.

Bruce is keen to expand his squad ahead of a potential European campaign.

Hull will play in the Europa League qualifiers after reaching the FA Cup final last term, in which they lost to Arsenal.

Hull are also reported to be in for Dundee United’s Andy Robertson

Local sources suggest a fee in the region of £2m would be likely to secure the capture of Robertson.

An opening, verbal offer of £1.75m plus add-ons was rejected by Dundee United.