Emnes signs for Boro

Dutchman Marvin Emnes on Friday signed a 3.2-million-pound (6.3m dollar) deal with English Premier League side Middlesbrough.

The 20-year-old Sparta Rotterdam player has signed a four-year deal after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

“We feel we have signed an exciting young player in Marvin,” manager Gareth Southgate told the club's website.

“Last season was his breakthrough year at Sparta Rotterdam and he ended the campaign with a flurry, scoring eight goals in his final 10 games.

“He can play anywhere across the front line, so he has versatility to go with pace, energy and technical skills.”

Emnes is likely to be employed as an attacking midfielder as Fabio Rochemback's departure, along with that of Gaizka Mendieta, has depleted the club's midfield resources, and with uncertainty persisting over the futures of George Boateng and Gary O'Neil.

Rotterdam-born Emnes, a Holland Under-21 international, could join up with his new team-mates when they return for pre-season training on Monday.