The 32-year-old is thought to have discussed personal terms and taken a medical at Hull yesterday after the club reached agreement with Spanish outfit Espanyol.

Ex-Republic of Ireland international Finnan is understood to be keen to return to the Barclays Premier League after enduring a difficult five months since leaving Anfield.

Hampered by injuries, Finnan has made only four first-team starts at Barcelona's second club and there have also been off-field problems at the Olympic Stadium with the sacking of coach Tintin Marquez before Christmas.

The Spanish press at least reported Finnan to be fit earlier this week after overcoming a leg injury.

Finnan`s arrival could negate the need for Hull to pursue a permanent deal for Sunderland defender and fellow Irishman Paul McShane.

McShane has played at right-back for most of Hull`s first season in the top flight but was recalled early from his year-long loan by the Black Cats on Wednesday.

One deal already completed by Hull boss Phil Brown is that for winger Kevin Kilbane, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract yesterday.

The 31-year-old, another Ireland international, became the club`s first signing of the January transfer window after Wigan accepted an undisclosed fee.

Kilbane has also played for Preston, West Brom, Sunderland and Everton in his career, as well as winning 92 international caps.

He made 84 first-team appearances for Wigan after moving to the JJB Stadium in 2006 but found chances limited this term due to increased competition for places.

Ironically, his Wigan career took a turn for the worse after he suffered a facial injury in the Latics` 5-0 win over Hull in August.

Kilbane, who is likely to go straight into the squad for tomorrow`s visit of Arsenal, said: "I did fracture my cheekbone in that game and, since then, I've hardly played a game and that is why this season has been a bit disappointing from my point of view.

"Hopefully, over the next few games, I'll get my match fitness back up to full speed and get playing until the end of the season, although the team has done that well it will be difficult to get into the side."

Two arrivals that now seem less likely to happen are those of Luis Boa Morte and Dean Whitehead.

West Ham midfielder Boa Morte was reported to have rejected Hull`s advances last night while Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia said Whitehead was not for sale.