Stewart’s brief is to offer spark and width to Leeds

The 22-year-old yesterday became the Championship club’s first signing of the transfer window, initially on loan but with a three-year contract set to kick in once the summer begins.

No fee has changed hands but Hull, who loaned Stewart to Charlton Athletic for the first half of the season, have made sure a sell-on clause has been included in the deal.

For Stewart, who is set to be joined at Leeds by Crystal Palace wingman Jimmy Kebe, the move means a new start after a difficult time at the KC Stadium under Bruce.

“I am delighted to start a new chapter in my career,” said the one-time Manchester United trainee, who has joined Leeds on a 93-day loan because of a Football League rule that prevents a player appearing for more than two clubs in a season.

“There have been a few complications and a few hiccups, but it is all sorted and I am delighted that the permanent deal will kick in.

“I know the loan is a maximum of 93 days so I will miss a few games at the end of the season. But, at the moment, I just want to play when I am available and when I am selected.

“It wasn’t really that difficult a decision. I enjoyed my time when I first went to Hull but things didn’t really come off for me when Steve Bruce came in. I found it hard.”

Stewart, whose sole appearance in a Hull shirt this season came in the Capital One Cup, made 18 appearances for Charlton while on loan with the club.

He added: “Being at Charlton really helped me. I owe a massive thanks to (manager) Chris Powell and the boys down there. It gave me a chance to go out and play and show what I could do again. But I am happy to be here.

“There was talk of other clubs being interested, loans and permanent, but Leeds are a head-turner.

“Leeds were the one that I really fancied. It was one I fancied before I went to Charlton because they had no wide players. It was something that tickled me, something I looked towards.

“Obviously you ask the questions and the manager has outlined his ambitions for me: basically, to come here and give a little bit of a spark. We will try to grab the sixth spot, then the fifth spot and so on.

“I can settle myself again now. I can move into the area because I have been living out of my car and suitcase on loan. That is a big factor.”

Kebe, who played for McDermott at Reading, could join United today, while Brighton & Hove Albion striker Ashley Barnes is also on the club’s radar.

The Leeds manager said: “Jimmy has pace to burn and is very much a team man.”