Parlour on his way to Boro

Middlesbrough have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign midfielder Ray Parlour on a three-year contract.

The 31-year-old former England international will join other new signings Mark Viduka, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Michael Reiziger at the Riverside Stadium after the Gunners accepted a fee which is believed to be around £1.7m (€2.5m).

“Middlesbrough and Arsenal have agreed a deal,” Parlour’s agent Steve Kutner said.

“It pays Arsenal a substantial amount subject to appearances and Ray is taking a substantial pay cut in return for signing a three-year contract.

“He’s excited about playing for Middlesbrough in Europe next season and very happy to extend his career because he only had one year left (on his contract) at Arsenal.”

Parlour must now pass a medical on Teesside before the deal is completed.