New Hull City signing Gavin Whyte will fill void left by Hakeeb Adelukun

Belfast-born Whyte, capped ten times by Northern Ireland, has scored 57 goals in 234 career club appearances and enjoyed a hugely successful spell in his homeland with Crusaders between 2014 and 2018, winning three NIFL Premiership titles.

Whyte excelled in a 2017-18 season which saw him score 24 goals and be named as the Ulster Footballer of the Year and the Northern Ireland Footballer Writers’ Association Player of the Year.

His performances earned up a move to Oxford United in July 2018 where he netted nine goals in 47 matches for the U’s before signing for Cardiff for a seven-figure fee a year later.

He played 30 games in all competitions last season as the Bluebirds reached the Championship play-offs.

On his acquisition, head coach Grant McCann said: “Gavin will bring pace, energy and directness. He likes to get the ball and run at people.

“He’s a full international and had a good time in Northern Ireland, a really good time at Oxford and followed that up with a move to Cardiff.

“We’ve been searching for a replacement for Hakeeb Adelakun and he will bring real pace and directness to the front three.

“We’re delighted to get him and there was a lot of competition for him. We’re delighted he’s chosen us and he’ll get the fans off their sofas because he’s direct and likes to get at

people.”

Whyte’s arrival swiftly follows the addition of former Dundalk midfielder Jordan Flores, who has joined on an initial 18-month deal as the Tigers seek to bolster their ranks ahead of a push for promotion in the second half of the season.

Earlier on Thursday, central defender Jordy de Wijs completed his expected move to Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season, with a view to the deal being made permanent in the summer.