Transfer news: Hull City boss Steve Bruce delighted by Sone Aluko's new deal after stalemate

Bruce pleased by the news that the Tigers winger has signed a two-and-a-half year extension

Hull City's Sone Aluko

Hull City manager Steve Bruce has said getting Sone Aluko to sign a contract extension at the KC Stadium 'could be the most important piece of business' his side will do this month.

The 24-year-old Nigerian had been stalling on a new contract with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

After prolonged talks with the Tigers hierarchy, however, the winger has now signed a new two-and-a-half-year extension to give Bruce a happy start to the January transfer window.

Aluko has been absent for more than two months with an Achilles injury but is on the verge of a return to a side who started 2014 sat handsomely in mid-table in the Premier League.

Bruce said: "It could be the most important piece of business we do this month.

"If Sone gets fit over the next couple of weeks, he’s a top player as we’ve seen time and again.

"He’s a special player for us, I’ve said that all along, so let’s hope we see him doing what he does best in the next month or so.

"Aluko added: "I need to focus on getting back playing and getting back playing well.

"The manager and the owners have shown a level of faith in me and I have to repay that by playing well on the pitch. That has always been my priority.

"I’m trying not to set any deadlines and I’m just taking it day by day but so far it’s gone according to plan and I think I’m maybe even ahead of schedule so hopefully I’ll be back playing soon.

"I believe that when I get back playing, I’ll hit the ground running and recapture the form I was in before."