Updated at 19.13
HULL CITY HAVE completed the signing of 20-year-old Irish defender Brian Lenihan, their manager Steve Bruce has confirmed.
Lenihan was rumoured to have interested a number of British clubs, including Arsenal, Brighton and Celtic, however he is now set to join the strong Irish contingent at the Tigers.
“Lenihan is done and dusted. He’s one for the future,” Bruce told reporters following his side’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa today.
It is understood that the promising defender will now go into the club’s development squad rather than challenging for a first-team place immediately.
The fee paid for the player’s services is undisclosed, however it is believed to be in the region of £200,000 (€250,000).
Commenting on the news earlier today Pat Lyons, Chairman of Cork City FC, said: “We would like to wish Brian the best of luck in the next stage of his career. Since he joined us, Brian has been a credit to his family and to his schoolboy club, College Corinthians; showing a fantastic attitude and excellent ability, which I am sure will see him progress far in the game.
“As a club, we never want to see our best players depart, however we are pleased that we have reached what we believe to be a fair and reasonable agreement with Hull for his transfer, and that Cork City FC stands to benefit further should Brian continue to progress as we all expect him to do.”
