Hull sign US teenager Altidore on loan

Jozy Altidore, the teenage striker who played a major part in the United States’ successful Confederations Cup campaign, is joining Hull on a one-year loan deal from Villarreal.

The deal was clinched Tuesday after Hull succeeded in gaining a work permit for the 19-year-old who produced the opener in the USA’s shock 2-0 Confed Cup semi-final win over Spain in South Africa in June.

In the final itself in Johannesburg the USA led Brazil by two goals to nil at half-time only to go on to lose 3-2.

Altidore joined Villarreal a year ago after making his mark in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls.

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

“I’m very excited about the prospect of playing for Hull City,” he told the club’s official website.

“Hull City is a good club, up and coming, and to have the opportunity to play for them in the Premier League is a great thing.

“I’m sure it will take a little while to get used to being here, but hopefully I will be a success here.

“I think of myself as quite a physical player but I can be graceful too. I like having the ball at my feet and I like running at people.

“I’m still very young and there are a lot of things I still need to find out about myself in terms of playing. Hopefully that will come.

“I’m a huge follower of the English Premier League. Most people think this is the best league in the world and I am no different.

“There are so many great players here. Anybody who is anybody would like to get the chance to play here and experience it.”