Ricketts seals Boro move

Ricketts finally made the switch on Friday

Michael Ricketts has joined Middlesbrough for £3.5m plus a percentage of profits.

The former Bolton striker finalised the deal at 2330 GMT on Friday just half an hour before the close of the transfer window.

Boro boss Steve McClaren fought off competition from Premiership rivals Tottenham in the race to sign Bolton's leading scorer in the process.

A statement on Bolton's website said: "Michael Ricketts has ended his association with Bolton Wanderers by signing for Premiership rivals Middlesbrough.

"The Wanderers top scorer... put pen to paper with the Riverside club at 2330 this evening."

Transfer deadline D-Day

Ricketts, who has one England cap to date, handed in a transfer request at the Reebok Stadium over a week ago and looked set for a switch to White Hart Lane.

Spurs' offer of a part player-exchange was rejected by Bolton and Middlesbrough then became favourites to sign the player.

Ricketts factfile

1978: Born in Birmingham - 4 December

1996: Turns professional with Walsall

2000: Joins Bolton

2002: England debut v Holland in February

2003: Signs for Middlesbrough in January

Boro looked to have run out of time to conclude the deal on Friday despite stating on their website at 1530 GMT that a fee had been agreed for the player.

Just hours before the close of the transfer window, Bolton insisted no official offer had been made for the player.

But Wanderers bosses finally got an acceptable bid before the transfer window closed.

Middlesbrough have also signed Derby duo Malcolm Christie and Chris Riggott as part of a £3m package and grabbed Celta Vigo's Brazilian midfielder Doriva on loan until the end of the season.

Boro grab Derby pair

Bolton, meanwhile, have made a quartet of signings to soften the blow, with strikers Salva Ballesta and Pierre-Yves Andre as well as defenders Florent Laville and Ndiwa Lord-Kangana.

Bolton snap up French duo

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