Republic of Ireland winger Kilbane, 31, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at the KC Stadium after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Finnan was reported to be undergoing a medical with the Tigers after Espanyol agreed to let the player return to the Barclays Premier League just five months after he left Anfield for Spain.

The former Ireland international, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, would effectively replace Paul McShane following his recall from a season-long loan by Sunderland last night.

On the downside for manager Phil Brown, his attempts to sign Sunderland captain Dean Whitehead appeared to have been rebuffed by Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia while West Ham's Luis Boa Morte reportedly turned down a move north.

Brown is keen to strengthen his squad to arrest a slump in form which has seen Hull's bright start to the season compromised by a run of just one win in 12 Premier League matches.

Kilbane brings considerable experience having also played for Preston, West Brom, Sunderland and Everton, as well as winning 92 international caps. He also offers an extra left-sided option with winger Peter Halmosi the club's only other left-footed midfielder.

He made 84 appearances for Wigan after joining the club in 2006 but had fallen down the pecking order this season due to increased competition for places.

Kilbane, who is likely to go straight into the squad for Saturday's clash with Arsenal, told the club's website, www.hullcityafc.co.uk: "Hull was definitely an attractive move. I wanted to stay in the Premier League because you want to play as many games in the top flight as you can.

"Hopefully we can do well in the remaining months of this season and firmly establish ourselves in the Premier League.

"I want to be playing games and once I'd spoken to Phil Brown, it became clear in my mind that I wanted to come here.

"As a player, it's all about getting yourself right for a Saturday afternoon and I want to be playing games for the rest of the season."

Wigan boss Steve Bruce admitted he was reluctant to let Kilbane go but, with an offer of regular first-team football at Hull, did not want to stand in his way.

Bruce told Wigan's website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "'Killer' was out of contract in the summer, and on a financial level it makes sense.

"On a football level, I'm disappointed to lose a very experienced squad member in Kevin and a true professional in every sense.

"However, at his age, I can understand he wants to be playing regularly - something which we have not been able to offer him of late."

Finnan, who has recently recovered from a leg injury, retired from international football last year but also has vast experience after five years with Liverpool and a previous stint in the top flight with Fulham.

The 32-year-old left Liverpool last summer after losing his place to Alvaro Arbeloa but he failed to make an impact at Espanyol after being hampered by injuries and the sacking of coach Tintin Marquez.

Signing Finnan might negate the need for Hull to pursue a permanent deal for McShane, who has no guarantee of a regular place at Sunderland and has admitted he will miss Hull.

"It has been talked about over the last month or so, so it has always been in the back of my mind," said McShane, who made his final City appearance in last night's FA Cup third-round replay win at Newcastle.

"I have enjoyed my time at Hull and I will miss it. But Sunderland are my club and I will go back there, train away and try to get back in the side."

Sbragia has been firm in his stance over Whitehead, the subject of an approach from Hull yesterday.

"Dean won't be going anywhere - it's as simple as that," Sbragia said of the 27-year-old.

The collapse of a move for former Portugal international Boa Morte does not come as a surprise after Brown admitted the two parties could not agree over personal terms.

"We are miles apart where Luis is concerned with personal terms," said Brown last night. "We have agreed a deal with regards to West Ham, but it is now down to Luis to come down in his evaluation of his next contract. It is up to Luis."

Meanwhile, Hull are waiting for news on the extent of midfielder George Boateng's knee injury after the Dutchman was carried off with suspected ligament damage 67 minutes into the Tigers' 1-0 win at St James' Park.