Hull City have confirmed the signing of defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano for a club record fee.

The 21-year-old centre-back joins on a five-year contract, with an option for a further year.

No fee was reported by the club, but they say it surpasses the £20m plus add-ons that was paid earlier this month for Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Olympiacos.

Hull’s previous transfer record had stood since 2016 when they paid £13m for Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason.

“I am very happy to be here and very proud to be here as well,” Mendy said.

“I am a very athletic player, and I am a defender at heart. I also really enjoy the game and coming out from the back cleanly and aggressively when needed.

“I have wanted to play in the Premier League since I was little, so it’s a great challenge to face and I am ready for it.”

Mendy, who started his career at Paris FC, scored twice in 28 games during his only season in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, with his final appearance coming in the Conference League final defeat by Crystal Palace.

He also reached the Conference League final last year with his previous club Real Betis, losing to Chelsea.

His only Senegal cap came in March against Gambia.