Middlesbrough agree deal for next signing but look set to miss out on another

Middlesbrough have agreed a deal to sign Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips.

The deal is worth an initial £7m but is believed to include add-ons which could take the overall price to £20m.

He is set to become the second signing Boro have made from Spurs this summer, following the earlier arrival of striker Will Lankshear.

But they look set to miss out on a third signing from the north London club, with forward Mikey Moore closing in on a loan move to FC Koln.

Boro were interested in the 18-year-old but Spurs and Moore were keen on a move abroad, with Koln looking set to win the race for the highly-rated youngster.

Phillips’ arrival will see Middlesbrough’s busy summer of spending continue.

The club have also confirmed the signing of United States midfielder Max Arfsten for around £5.5m, and are set to sign goalkeeper Radek Vítek from Manchester United for £14m.