Middlesbrough have completed the signing of David Nugent from Leicester City on a three-year deal, with the striker set to be included in Aitor Karanka’s match-day squad to face Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Following the departures of the on-loan strikers Patrick Bamford and Jelle Vossen at the end of last season, and the exit of Lee Tomlin to Bournemouth over the summer, Middlesbrough have been left a little light up front, despite the arrival of Christian Stuani from Espanyol.
Nugent scored only five goals in 32 Premier League appearances for Leicester last season but played a key role in getting them promoted from the Championship in 2013-14, scoring 20 times.
“It’s good to get it over the line and all of the contracts signed,” said Nugent. “I’m officially a Middlesbrough player now and I’m delighted.”
Karanka said: “Everyone knows what a good player he is. We have worked really hard to bring David to the club and everyone can see that we have not had to spend a crazy amount of money to bring him here. It’s important to get the right players at the right price.
“The good thing is that David wants to join us and believes in our project and this club. I believe we are signing a very good player.”
Middlesbrough had been heavily linked with Blackburn Rovers’ Jordan Rhodes and reportedly had a £12m bid for the 25-year-old turned down. Karanka also confirmed they had been looking at Crystal Palace’s Dwight Gayle but never submitted a formal offer for the striker, who has been the subject of a £6m bid from Bristol City.
