Former Sparta Rotterdam player Marvin Emnes revealed he was delighted to finally complete the £3.4 million move from the club to Middlesbrough. Gareth Southgate was keen to bring in more players this summer, and Emnes was his first acquisition.

"I am very excited to join Middlesbrough," he told his new club's official website. "It's a dream for any player to play in The Premier League, but it is a great opportunity for me when I am still so young.

"I had a good year with Sparta and there was a lot of interest in me but I was enthusiastic about the idea of joining Middlesbrough from the very first day I heard of their interest.

"Ultimately the decision had to be a personal one. I spoke to Gareth Southgate, who made it clear that he had seen me play and was very enthusiastic about me.

"Meeting Mr Southgate made a big difference for me. I am looking forward to working with him."