Fabio Carvalho has officially joined Hull on loan until the end of the season, after a brief return to Liverpool.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season at RB Leipzig and was expected to spend the full campaign in Germany, but that loan spell was cut short.

Carvalho struggled for minutes at Leipzig, making just one Bundesliga start, leaving Liverpool keen to find a new club for the Portugal Under-21 international.

Southampton were among the clubs believed to be keen on signing Carvalho, but it is Hull who have won the race to secure the attacking midfielder for the rest of the season.

Hull boss Liam Rosenior said: “I couldn’t be happier. Everyone is aware of Fabio’s ability, his qualities as a young player.

“I have to give Acun and Tan so much credit for the work they’ve done to bring him here. We’re building a reputation, not just in England but in Europe, for the way we develop players. Our style of play and ambition are really important factors in attracting players to the club.

“Fabio is excited to be coming here and I’m delighted to be working with him to the end of the season. Technically, he’s outstanding. He can assist, score and run in behind. He’s brave, quick, very balanced and takes the ball."

Hull sit seventh in the Championship, just a point outside the play-off places as they eye a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2015.

Carvalho joins Liverpool team-mate Tyler Morton at Hull, with the midfielder already making 18 starts in the Championship for the Tigers this season having joined on loan in the summer.

“The reason [Carvalho] at Liverpool is because he’s got enormous potential and I can’t thank them enough for trusting us; Liverpool have seen the work we’ve done with Tyler Morton," Rosenior continued.

“Fabio’s got the ability to make a real impact on our season and get us to where we want to be.”