HULL City have signed former Derby County loanee Jake Livermore from Tottenham Hotspur for a club record fee.
The 24-year-old midfielder has agreed a three-year contract at the KC Stadium, where he impressed on loan last season.
It is understood the deal could eventually be worth £8m, including add-ons.
Livermore, who made 16 appearances for the Rams during the 2009-10 Championship campaign, said: "I'm delighted to be joining Hull City on a permanent basis. "I thoroughly enjoyed my season here on loan and I firmly believe that this club will keep on going from strength to strength.
"I made my feelings known that I wanted to come here permanently and once the two clubs had agreed the fee, it was very straightforward."
Livermore arrived on Humberside in August last year after the Tigers struck a loan deal with Spurs, and excelled in what proved to be the club's best top-flight season yet.
He made 41 senior appearances as Hull finished in 16th place in their first season back in the top flight and reached the FA Cup final.
The club is currently preparing for its maiden European campaign having qualified for the Europa League as a result of its domestic cup exploits.
Manager Steve Bruce knows he will have to strengthen his squad to cope with the extra demands, but securing one of his key men from the last campaign represents a major boost.
City have been linked with a series of potential targets already this summer, with Norwich City midfielder Robert Snodgrass the latest.
