Hull are close to signing Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt after agreeing a fee with his current club Reading.

The 28-year-old has been on international duty this week but could complete a move to Hull before the Tigers' Barclays Premier League opener against Chelsea on Saturday.

He is set to hold contract talks with Hull and have a medical, Reading confirmed. The fee involved has not been disclosed.

Hunt, who joined Reading from Brentford in 2005, was the subject of strong interest from Sunderland last year and would add strength and experience to the Hull midfield.

Tigers boss Phil Brown completed one transfer as Hull succeeded in gaining a work permit for United States striker Jozy Altidore.

The 19-year-old last week agreed to join on a season-long loan from Spanish side Villarreal, and today that deal was finalised.

Altidore joined Villarreal a year ago after making his mark in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls, and impressed in the recent Confederations Cup.

His deal includes an option for Hull to make the deal permanent next summer.