Boro happy to keep Ehiogu

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has welcomed Ugo Ehiogu’s decision to stay at the Riverside.

The 33-year-old defender, a then club-record £8m (€11.6m) recruit from Aston Villa in November 2000, was expected to link up with former boss Bryan Robson at West Brom this week.

However, England international Ehiogu, who has played 117 matches for Boro, could not agree personal terms with the Baggies and opted to stay in the north-east.

Lamb told the club’s official website, www.mfc.co.uk: “Ugo has failed to agree personal terms with West Brom.

“During the process, which has lasted some considerable time, it’s fair to say that he had become increasingly more reluctant to leave Middlesbrough.

“We are pleased to be able to announce that he will now return to full training with his Boro teammates and is looking forward to helping us in our Premier League and cup battles to come.

“We are delighted to welcome Ugo back into the squad and feel sure that he will play a valuable role in the games ahead.”