Transfer news: Hull City agree fee with Everton for striker Nikica Jelavic

Talks over personal terms are in discussion after Tigers confirm an agreement is in place over a transfer

Everton striker Nikica Jelavic is in talks with Hull after the two clubs agreed a transfer fee (GETTY IMAGES)

Hull City have agreed a fee with Everton for Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic and will now discuss personal terms with the player.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez had made it clear that Jelavic, 28, would be allowed to leave Goodison Park if a suitable bid was made.

And Hull boss Steve Bruce appears to have met that asking price, with attacking reinforcements marked as a priority this transfer window, his Hull side having scored just 22 goals in their last 20 league games.

Jelavic joined Everton from Rangers in January 2012 for a fee of £5.5 million, starting brightly with nine goals in his first 13 appearances for the club. But he went on to score just two goals in the whole of 2013, and this season lost his place to on loan Chelsea starlet Romelu Lukaku.

A statement on Hull's official club website read: "Hull City have reached an agreement with Everton over the transfer of striker Nikica Jelavic and will now enter talks with the player.

"The 28-year-old Croatian international has scored 21 goals in 69 appearances for Everton since joining them from Rangers in January 2012."

Jelavic started his career with Croatian side Hadjuk Split, before spells at Zulte Waregem in Switzerland and Rapid Wienna in Austria – where he was at his most prolific, netting 43 times in 95 games. He made the move to Scotland in 2010, helping Rangers to a league and cup double in his debut season.

He has been used sparingly by Everton this term, but did pop with a brace in their 4-0 FA Cup win over QPR earlier this month.

The deal is expected to be concluded within the next 24 hours.