Hull City's chances of survival in the Premier League are set to take a massive upturn as the final details of the transfer of George Boateng from Middlesbrough are sorted out.

The thirty-two year old midfielder will bring a great deal of experience and ability to the side that will have to be punching above their weight to stand any chance of staying in the top tier.

Boateng is an unsung hero who works incredibly hard for his team and is crucial in terms of breaking up opposition attacks and starting his own.

Boateng has spent six years at unfashionable Middlesbrough and has done a wonderful job in sometimes difficult circumstances. He rarely stands out as the star man but sides realize how important he is when he isn't there.

Teams gaining promotion to the Premier League need to buy wisely as they have to find the right players to help them survive without bankrupting the club in case they don't. It is a very thin dividing line. With this signing, I think Phil Brown has got it absolutely right. Hull are likely to be in a relegation scrap and if they are, they will be in a stronger position with Boateng in the middle of their midfield.