Boro get work permit for Tuncay

Tuncay is Fenerbahce's all-time leading scorer in Europe

Middlesbrough have been granted a work permit for Turkey striker Tuncay Sanli, who has signed for the Teesside club on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old, who was at Fenerbahce, joins on a free transfer after passing a medical at Boro's training ground.

Tuncay, who joins from Fenerbahce, will join up with his new team-mates on a pre-season trip to Austria next week.

"We're delighted Tuncay has committed his future to the club," said the club's chief executive Keith Lamb.

The striker, who has won 43 caps for his national side, has asked for the number 17 shirt at Boro, the same number he wears for Turkey.

He struck 77 goals in 207 games for Turkish champions Fenerbahce and also scored a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester United.

606: DEBATE The Viduka departure seems a distant memory now BS

Fenerbahce's all-time leading scorer in Europe with 12 goals, Tuncay had been at the Turkish club since 2002 and won three league titles with them.

Boro have been looking to boost their attacking options following Mark Viduka's departure with the side having agreed terms with Arsenal's Jeremie Aliadiere.

Viduka's defection to North-East rivals Newcastle and the release of Malcolm Christie and Danny Graham had left the Teessiders with only two recognised frontmen, Yakubu and Dong-Gook Lee.