Digard: I rejected others

New Middlesbrough signing Didier Digard has revealed that in order to complete his move to the Riverside Stadium, he had to reject several other Premiership sides who also made moves for the Frenchman.

Digard told Boro's website: "I am very pleased to be joining Middlesbrough because it is a project that is totally different to Paris St Germain.

"I know you are trying to build something here.

"Gareth Southgate was a big influence on my decision to come to Middlesbrough. I had the opportunity to go to other clubs - including Monaco, Newcastle United and Portsmouth - but I was very impressed by Gareth.

"I know he has a great relationship with the players and it was clear he knew exactly what he wanted to do with the club. He convinced me this was the club for me."