NEIL WARNOCK has expressed his "delight" after Middlesbrough completed the signing of striker Chuba Akpom from Greek club PAOK Salonika.

Akpom has joined Boro for a fee of around £2.75m, and signed a three-year contract with the club, with an option of a further year.

His signing was confirmed this morning, and he will watch this afternoon's Championship game against Bournemouth from the Riverside stands.

Warnock, who is currently in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19, has spent most of the summer trying to sign a new forward, and has long regarded 24-year-old Akpom as one of his leading targets.

The Boro boss said: "I'm delighted to finally have got him.

"He's been my number one choice. I've wanted him for a long time. I'd like to give a big thanks to Neil Bausor (chief executive) for getting it done.

"I told him what we were doing at the club, and right from day one, he wanted to come, and I'm delighted."

Akpom started his career in Arsenal's youth ranks, and has represented England at all youth levels.

He made his Premier League debut at the age of 17, and helped Hull City and Brighton in promotion-winning campaigns in the Championship during loan spells from the Gunners.

He has spent the last two years playing with PAOK Salonika in Greece, with his 18 goals helping the club win their domestic title in 2019.

Earlier this week he was part of the PAOK side that beat Benfica in a Champions League qualifier, but he has opted to return to England with Boro.