Gareth Southgate today signed for Middlesbrough - and immediately saluted new boss Steve McClaren.

The England defender, 30, was all smiles after clinching his £6.5 million move from Aston Villa.

Southgate said: "Steve McClaren was the manager who wanted to bring me more than anyone else to this club.

"I had no hesitation when I spoke to him and looked at some of the faces here. It's going to be fantastic as we start a new era.

"I want to improve as a player and with the coaching staff here I believe I can do that.

"I wanted a new challenge. I really believe that something really positive is going to happen here.

"I'm coming to a club with a manager I've got a great deal of respect for who really wants to go ahead.

"He wants to bring in innovative new training ideas, he's worked with the best in the country and knows what it takes to be a winner.

"I think everyone here will benefit from that.''

McClaren said: "There are four main reasons why I chased Gareth.

"Firstly, he's a damned good player, a damned good defender.

"He's got great experience at the very top level, he's won 42 caps for England, played in World Cups and European Championships.

"He's a model professional and I stated that I wanted role models when I first came here to bring along the younger players.

"And he's a tremendous leader both on and off the field - and I don't believe you can have too many of them.

"I want people here that younger players can look up to and aspire to - and I believe in Gareth I've got that.''

Read more about the Boro here.