Derby have signed midfielder Tom Huddlestone from Sky Bet Championship rivals Hull on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
The Tigers confirmed a release clause in the 30-year-old's contract had been activated and despite their best efforts to keep him at the KCOM Stadium, Huddlestone has opted to leave.
Hull's vice-chairman Ehab Allam told the club's official website: "We recently met with Tom's representatives, prior to receiving the offer from Derby to discuss a new longer-term deal on improved terms.
"I feel this stated our intention to keep Tom at the club, but ultimately the decision to leave was down to Tom and his representatives. Whilst obviously disappointed by his decision we will continue to work on new signings and expect additions early next week."
Huddlestone, who was born in Nottingham, previously played for the Rams as a teenager between August 2003 and the summer of 2005, making 95 appearances before moving to Tottenham.
