AT the end of a hectic day for English transfer business, Hull City were completing the formalities of their record signing of Nikica Jelavic from Everton.

The Croatian striker is believed to be on the verge of a £6.25m deal to move to the KC Stadium. The club, though, were less optimistic about the proposed capture of Shane Long from West Bromich Albion, with the Midlands club unwilling to let the striker leave on the cheap.

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Grant Holt on loan from Wigan for the rest of the season, and John Guidetti, the Manchester City striker, has signed for Stoke City on loan until the end of the season, hoping to rebuild his career after struggling with a mystery virus.