Hull City have signed Senegal defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano for a club-record fee, strengthening their squad ahead of a Premier League challenge. The 21-year-old centre-back has agreed a five-year contract, with an option for another year, and said he is ready to fulfil his ambition of playing in the Premier League.

Hull did not disclose the fee, but said it exceeded the more than £20m, plus add-ons, paid for Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis earlier this month; the club’s previous record was £13m for Ryan Mason in 2016. Mendy scored twice in 28 La Liga appearances last season, has one Senegal cap, and previously reached Conference League finals with Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis.