Hull City sign Egyptian striker Amr Zaki on loan

• Zaki joins Tigers until the end of the season
• Hamstring injury may delay his debut

Hull City have completed the loan signing of Amr Zaki until the end of the season, subject to the Egypt striker receiving a work permit.

Zaki, who scored 11 Premier League goals in a loan spell with Wigan Athletic last season, joins the Tigers from Egyptian side Zamalek. All those goals came in his first 18 appearances for the Latics but after Christmas his long absences on international duty and numerous fines for his frequent late returns to the DW Stadium seemed to derail his season and his then manager, Steve Bruce, described him as the most unprofessional player he had ever managed.

A statement on Hull’s website read: “We are pleased to confirm the loan signing of Amr Zaki from Zamalek FC.

“As is the case with all non-EU transfers, there are work permit and other red tape issues still to be confirmed, but we are expecting the player to return to England and join Hull City on Friday this week. The playing contracts are signed and confirmed, however the final details must be undertaken before the loan can commence.”

The forward has gone back to Cairo but is expected to return on Thursday. He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury which has made him very doubtful for Saturday’s match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. City officials have said he is more likely to make his debut at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 30 January.

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Amr Zaki says he is close to joining Hull

• Egypt international claims he is to have medical at Hull
• Loan deal approved by Zamalek, says announcement

Amr Zaki claims he is on the verge of signing for Hull on loan until the end of the season and will undergo a medical tomorrow.

The 26-year-old, who spent the 2008-09 season on loan at Wigan from Zamalek, has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs and Portsmouth reportedly had a bid rejected in August.

The Tigers now appear to be favourites to land the striker, who netted 11 times in 32 appearances while at Wigan. A statement on the Egypt international’s official website read: “Amr Zaki will fly to England to have medical test at Hull City football club on Saturday. The Tigers will sign the Egypt striker on loan until the end of the season subject to passing medical tests. Zaki had meeting alongside his agent with Zamalek board and agreed the transfer to go through.

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