ADAM Pearson has revealed that new boy Robert Koren knocked back a host of Championship suitors in favour of joining Hull City.

Koren became Nigel Pearson's fourth signing as Tigers boss yesterday after completing his free transfer.

Released by West Brom in May, the 29-year-old has penned a two-year contract at the KC Stadium and trained with his new team-mates before travelling south for today's clash with Millwall.

A swift debut could come at the New Den after receiving international clearance last night and head of football operations Pearson says the Tigers have pulled off a significant transfer coup.

Koren has been the subject of a string of summer offers – including Portsmouth, Leicester and Cardiff – following his release from West Brom but was finally won over by City's approach.

"It's a deal that's been in the pipeline ever since Nigel came to the club," Adam Pearson said.

"He was one of the first players that Nigel identified as a target and from the off, Robert was keen to come here.

"He's turned down a lot of other clubs to come here and we're delighted that he's made that choice."

Koren is no stranger to success in the Championship having twice won promotion with West Brom during a three-and-a-half year stay at the Hawthorns.

The latest success, with the Baggies finishing runners-up to Newcastle last season, eventually led to Koren's release in May.

A memorable summer saw Koren captain Slovenia at the World Cup finals in South Africa and Adam Pearson believes he will be a valuable addition.

"He's an extremely talented player who ticks all the boxes for us," he added. "He'll add goals to the team from midfield and bring a creative edge to the side.

"There's also a nice blend in midfield now that allows some flexibility in the way we play.

"Off the pitch as well, he's an exceptional professional who lives his life the right way.

"He's made it clear that he wants to move his family to the area and become a part of this club. That's the type of commitment that we're looking for."

Joining fellow free transfers Nolberto Solano and James Harper, as well as loan signing John Bostock, Koren's arrival underlines the improving state of City's finances.