McManus in, now for Thomson

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of former Celtic captain Stephen McManus.

The Scotland international spent latter part of last season on loan at Boro and he made a huge impact during his time at The Riverside.

Gordon Strachan made no secret of his desire to keep McManus, but he has had to wait whilst new Celtic boss Neil Lennon formalised his plans.

Although Lennon initially wanted to keep McManus, he has now approved his exit and Boro have finally concluded a deal reportedly worth £1.5million.

McManus passed his medical earlier in the week and has now penned a three-year deal with the Championship club.

and Sky Sports News understands Middlesbrough have agreed a fee with Rangers for midfielder Kevin Thomson.

Rangers boss Walter Smith revealed earlier this month that Middlesbrough had expressed an interest in the Scotland international.

Smith was keen to keep the former Hibernian star, but admitted every player at Ibrox has their price due to the club's financial problems.

Now both clubs are understood to have agreed a fee in the region of £2million for Thomson with the 25-year-old heading to Teesside for talks and a medical.

Stories going round that Armand Traore from Arsenal on season loan as well.

this is the first time i've felt positive about being a Boro fan since Eindhooven............. the club seems to have a different feel about it, i've got to say i am quite impressed so far

i think you will be going up in the autos.