CHARLIE Austin was today due at the KC Stadium to undergo a medical which should finally seal a three-year deal to join Hull City.
The 24-year-old Burnley striker could be confirmed as a Tigers player by this evening – finally bringing to an end City's search for a new striker.
Manager Steve Bruce made Austin his top striking target immediately after securing automatic promotion to the Premier League in May.
It saw City make an initial bid of £3.5m for his services, but with the Championship side having to pay a 15 per cent sell-on fee to Austin's former club Swindon as part of any deal, they opened talks quoting a figure in excess of £5m.
With the two clubs some way apart on valuation, the matter stalled before City returned to the table last Monday with a second offer in the region of £4m.
With Burnley standing strong, City eventually pushed their offer higher, stressing it was their best and final bid.
That deal has now been agreed and, with all tie-ins and potential add-ons associated with the agreement, is thought to value £4.5m
City are not expecting any issues in Austin's medical, with the only concern a number of shoulder injuries in the past.
The conclusion of the deal will finally bring an end to City's interest in Celtic's Gary Hooper, with any further strengthening up front now expected to be sought through the loan market.
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