JELAVIC JOINS WITH HULL CITY

Croatia international striker Nikica Jelavic cannot wait to hit the ground running after agreeing to join Hull City from Everton in a deal reportedly worth £6.5 million.
Jelavic, 28, lost his first-team place at Goodison Park to on-loan Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku, who has bagged nine goals and four assists in 17 English Premier League appearances for the Toffees this season.
In comparison, Jelavic has failed to score in nine league games, but the 28-year-old Croatian did net two goals in the FA Cup Third Round clash against Queens Park Rangers earlier this month.
“Steve Bruce called me and told me that he wants me in his team as a leading attacker,” said Jelavic.
“He asked me if I’m ready to move, then talked briefly about the club, his coaching philosophy and about the club’s goals.
“He was very confident during that conversation and after that I agreed to move to Hull City.
“The club suits me and I’m happy that the clubs have found an agreement for my transfer.”
Hull’s current striker duo, consisting of Danny Graham and Yannick Sagbo, have combined for a paltry three goals in 37 league appearances in 2013/14, which explains the move for Jelavic.
In addition, manager Steve Bruce is looking to bring in £6.5million-rated West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long.
The Republic of Ireland international, 26, was on the verge of completing a move to the KC Stadium in the summer, but the deal ultimately fell through after Everton beat the Baggies to the loan signing of Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.
Hull City (6-5-10), currently in 10th-place in the Premier League table, are priced at 9/2 and 1/8 to finish in the top-10 and avoid relegation, respectively.
Cerci staying put
Torino F.C. winger Alessio Cerci has revealed he will not leave the Stadio Olimpico in the January transfer window.
Cerci, who initially joined Torino from Fiorentina as part of a co-ownership agreement for a fee of €2.6 million in August 2012, signed for Il Toro on a permanent basis in the summer after the club agreed to send Marko Bakić and €3.8 million to the Viola.

The Italy international, 26, has been the star man for seventh-placed Torino this term, tallying nine goals and seven assists in 19 Serie A appearances.
“In January I will 100% stay, I’m concentrating on this jersey and supporters,” Cerci told Sky Sport Italia.
However, the 26-year-old winger did admit he could leave Turin after next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
“In June it will be different,” added Cerci.
“Should there be an offer we will evaluate it. I don’t promise never-ending love to a club.
“In the future, I could leave.”