AITOR KARANKA has signed a new four-year contract as Middlesbrough’s head coach.

The Spanish boss, who only had 12 months remaining on his previous terms, has pledged his future to the Riverside Stadium ahead of Sunday’s opening fixture in the Championship at Preston.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson felt it was vital for the club’s development that Karanka stayed on for the long term as Middlesbrough aim for promotion to the Premier League.

Gibson said: “This is a massive statement of the commitment Aitor has to this club. For me this is probably the most important signing we will make this summer.

“We know that there has been interest in Aitor over the past year or so from clubs both here and abroad and rightly so because he is a very, very good manager.

“When that speculation has arisen he has always been quick to say that he is happy here and working in the best place. Signing this new four year deal underlines that quite clearly. It gives us a lot of stability going in to the new season in the coming years.”

Speaking to the club's website, www.mfc.co.uk, Karanka said: “It was, and is a pleasure to sign this new contract.

“When you are in the place where you want to be and you feel that the people like you, and the club is the best club for me. 

“I always said I couldn’t be in a better place than I am here so it was easy for me. 

“I was speaking with the chairman and it took us 30 seconds. He knows me and I know him, and I know that I am in the right place with the right people at the right moment.”

Karanka was linked with the vacancies at Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland before those Premier League clubs all turned elsewhere to make new appointments.

The former Real Madrid No 2 is now actively trying to strengthen his striker options, although has so far been unable to persuade Blackburn or Crystal Palace to part with Jordan Rhodes or Dwight Gayle.