Germany defender Robert Huth has agreed a transfer from Chelsea to Middlesbrough and expects to sign a five-year contract in the near future.

The 21-year-old, currently on World Cup finals duty on home soil, has found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge and has opted to move to the Riverside, where he will take the place of new Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

Huth confirmed: "Nothing has been signed but I think we will do it in the next few weeks.

"They approached me after the season and I was very affected by the offer. I met with Gareth Southgate and I had an intensive conversation with him. It was very interesting.

"For me the most important thing was to play. I had offers from other English clubs, but they all had four or five central defenders.

"I decided to go to Middlesbrough where I will see enough playing time."