Hull City may have won the Championship play-offs against Middlesbrough, but it has not prevented the latter from signing one of their players.

The Tigers defeated Borough 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in May and are preparing for their return to the Premier League, but financial concerns are preventing them from making any significant moves.

Instead of incomings, Sergej Jakiriovic appears to be focusing on outgoings, with Middlesbrough poised to sign forward Kyle Joseph ahead of Millwall.

Many people were surprised by the potential trade, but now the truth has surfaced about why Hull is selling one of its first-team regulars to the Teesside club.

Why are Hull City selling Kyle Joseph to Middlesbrough for £5 million?

Joseph was an ever-present member of Jakirovic’s team last season, appearing 44 times in the regular season before playing a limited role in the play-offs due to injury.

His 13 goals were the best of his career, and it appeared like he would continue at the MKM Stadium to help Hull’s Premier League survival bid.

However, Graeme Bailey has stated that Borough and the Tigers are close to concluding a deal for the forward, with sources confirming to TEAMtalk that the fee will be about £5 million.

He adds that Hull wanted to keep him, but the club’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) circumstances requires them to sell players this month.

The Tigers have been under a Championship transfer embargo since last summer, which has virtually been lifted now that they are a top-flight team.

Owner Acun Ilicali recently told a supporters’ forum that the club needs to fund £6 million before the end of the fiscal year, which means they now have only a few days to complete the sale of Joseph while still needing to earn roughly £1 million more.

Why would Middlesbrough want Joseph?

Looking at Joseph’s numbers as a forward, many Borough fans will wonder if he will truly strengthen their team.

Last season, the 24-year-old scored eight goals, matching Middlesbrough’s David Strelec, but falling short of Tommy Conway and Morgan Whittaker’s totals.

Joseph, on the other hand, brings much more to the table than simply his goals, and Kim Hellberg will be getting a player who will work hard for the club, as evidenced by five assists.

The Scot’s aerial talent sets him apart, with the forward winning more headed shots and aerial duels than any other Championship player in his position last season, according to Fotmob.

Joseph will bring another dimension to Middlesbrough’s assault, and at £5 million, it appears to be a pretty low-risk acquisition.