Tigers forced to pay second outstanding debt

Hull City have been forced to settle an outstanding debt for the second time in a week to get another transfer embargo lifted.

BBC Radio Humberside understands it relates to an overdue payment to Manchester City for last season's loan signing of defender Fin Burns.

The Tigers had been notified late on Friday that they had once again been placed under a transfer embargo, but a source has told me the debt was paid on Monday, meaning the embargo has been removed.

Had the overdue payment not been made by 16:00 BST on Tuesday, the latest sanction would have been reported publicly on the official website of governing body, the EFL, as per their standard regulations.

The club have been approached for comment.

Burns made 11 appearances in all competitions last season but did not feature after the 3-0 win at Sheffield United on 24 January.

Last weekend Tigers owner Acun Ilicali defended the club's position regarding the three-window fee restrictions punishment relating to forward Louie Barry's loan from Aston Villa, claiming the issue is "a misunderstanding" and said they were confident of a positive outcome having lodged an appeal against the sanction.

The fee restrictions penalty is separate from any transfer embargo and can only be removed, or reduced, upon a successful appeal.

As it stands, under the current limitations of those sanctions, the Championship side are unable to buy or sign any players that would cost them a transfer fee.

They can only bring in free agents or loanees but with no additional payments made such as signing bonuses or loan fees.