Hull snap up Vennegoor of Hesselink

Hull have recruited former Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to bolster their bid to stay in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old Dutchman was a free agent after leaving Celtic at the end of last season, so Hull were able to complete his signing outside of the transfer window, which closed on Tuesday. He has signed a two-year deal.

Phil Brown’s side have been widely tipped to struggle this season after securing survival on the final day of their first campaign in the top flight.

Vennegoor of Hesselink spent three years at Celtic Park, having previously played for PSV Eindhoven, and Hull chairman Paul Duffen said the club had beaten off significant competition to sign him.

“We’ve definitely wanted an experienced, top-drawer striker who scores goals and Jan has scored prolifically in top leagues in Europe,” Duffen said.

“It’s what we need. We didn’t score enough goals last season. Going forward we have a lot of new talent and Jan will play his part in using his experience to settle them down.

“We’ve been looking at him since July and are really pleased we’ve turned his head.

“He’s been looking at other big clubs in Europe but the Premier League is where he wants to come and play with us.”

Brown turned to Vennegoor of Hesselink, who has scored five goals in 27 international matches for the Netherlands, after failing to sign Michael Owen, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Daryl Murphy and Bobby Zamora.

The Hull boss did however manage to recruit highly-rated American youngster Jozy Altidore on a season-long loan from Villarreal, while Algerian international Kamel Ghilas joined from Celta Vigo.