Hull break bank for Uruguay striker Hernandez

Premier League club Hull City have announced that they have signed Uruguay international striker Abel Hernandez from Italian side Palermo for "a club-record fee".

The 24-year-old has signed a three-year contract with an option for a further year and is believed to have cost last season's beaten FA Cup finalists around $15.8 million.

"Abel is a fantastic signing and highlights just how far the club has come in such a short space of time," Hull manager Steve Bruce told the club website.

"He is an exciting talent and like myself, I'm sure the supporters can't wait to see him in action."

Hernandez, who played for Uruguay at this year's World Cup, will fill the void created by Shane Long's move to Southampton last month for a fee of around $15.8 million.

Hernandez joined Palermo from Penarol in 2009. He spent five years with the Sicilian club and scored 14 goals last season as they were promoted from Serie B as champions.

The striker, who has scored seven goals in 14 international appearances, was followed into the KC Stadium just hours later by West Ham's Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame.

Diame, who knows the English game well having enjoyed three seasons at Wigan before joining the Hammers, is understood to have cost Hull around $5 million and has signed a three-year contract.

"I'm delighted to welcome Mohamed to the club," Bruce said.

"His experience, both at international level and in the Premier League will be invaluable for us as we look to cement our place in the top-flight."