Brazil´s Geovanni signs for Hull

Brazil international Geovanni has joined newly-promoted Hull City, the English Premier League side announced Saturday.

The 28-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the Tigers after being released on a free transfer by Premier League rivals Manchester City at the end of last season.

Geovanni cost Barcelona 11 million pounds (22 million dollars) in 2001 but failed to become a regular with the Spanish side. He then went on loan to Benfica before returning to Brazil.

He joined City on a free transfer from Cruzeiro last year but failed to earn a regular spot at Eastlands.

But Hull, preparing for their first season in English football's top flight, believe Geovanni is the man for them.

“He's got a very good track record so I think he'll be an excellent signing for us,” assistant manager Brian Horton told BBC Radio Humberside.

“We've heard a lot about him and spoken to quite a few people, but we saw him ourselves so we know the player.”

Geovanni's arrival follows the permanent signing of striker Craig Fagan, who rejoined the Tigers on loan last season, from Derby County earlier in the week.

Hull were the last of the promoted teams to secured their Premier League place after beating Bristol City 1-0 in May's play-off final at Wembley.