Southend splash out on Paynter

By Mark Buckingham

Hull City have sold striker Billy Paynter to Championship rivals Southend United.

Paynter has spent less than 12 months at The KC Stadium, having originally joined from Port Vale on loan last November.

The move was made permanent in January, with Paynter scoring three goals in 23 appearances for The Tigers.

But only 12 of those outings were from the start and new Hull boss Phil Parkinson has decided to ship the 22-year-old off to Roots Hall.

Southend have agreed to pay £200,000 for Paynter, who will sign a three-year contract with Steve Tilson's men.

The permanent contract will be finalised on Monday as Paynter has initially joined The Shrimpers on loan.

This will enable the forward to play in Southend's opening game of the Championship season against Stoke City on Saturday.

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