Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is hopeful of tying up a deal to sign Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte although he said it is unlikely a deal will be done before their season against Tottenham.

Boro revealed their bid for the 23-year-old right-back, who would be a replacement for new Aston Villa recruit Luke Young, was accepted on Thursday and would now begin talks.

He said: "I think it's unlikely that it will be done by Saturday but we will make every effort. He's a young player who has a good pedigree and has had a good schooling with Arsenal.

"I've seen a fair bit of him and I've spoken to lots of players, managers and coaches who've worked with him and got very positive feedback.

"He is someone who needs to get out and play. We feel we can work with him and try to improve him as a player and we very much hope we can secure his signature."

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