Yakubu in $12m Middlesbrough deal
 |  Yakubu has agreed a $12m move to Premiership rivals Middlesbrough |
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LONDON, England -- Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is joining Middlesbrough from Premier League rivals Portsmouth for 6.5 million pounds ($12m), it was announced on Monday.
Middlesbrough confirmed the signing of the 22-year-old Yakubu after he agreed terms and underwent a medical at the club with the deal finalised on July 1.
Yakubu was left out of Pompey's final game of the season at West Bromwich on Sunday ahead of a move which became one of football's worst-kept secrets.
"Middlesbrough football club announced today that they have agreed a fee with Portsmouth for the transfer of striker Ayegbeni Yakubu," said a spokesman.
Yakubu is the latest recruit to boss Steve McClaren's striking resources after mixed fortunes during his four years at the helm.
Szilard Nemeth was signed by his predecessor Bryan Robson, but only arrived after his departure.
McClaren later broke the club's transfer record to buy Massimo Maccarone from Empoli for 8.15 million pounds in the summer of 2002, but the player is now back in Italy.
Last summer saw McClaren -- he is assistant to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson -- sign Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Australian Mark Viduka, though, the latter has suffered an injury-plagued season.
Boro will now attempt to secure the futures of Brazilian midfielder Doriva and Dutch international Bolo Zenden over the next few weeks.
The club booked a second successive UEFA Cup campaign with Sunday's draw at Manchester City, which saw City striker Robbie Fowler's late penalty saved by Mark Schwarzer.
Berger off
Czech Republic midfielder Patrik Berger is poised to join Aston Villa from Premier League rivals Portsmouth.
The 31-year-old former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Slavia Prague player has agreed a two-year contract at Villa Park.
Berger joined Liverpool for 3.25 million pounds ($5.97m) from Dortmund in 1996 and spent seven seasons at Anfield before joining Portsmouth two years ago.
He has scored 18 goals in 40 internationals.
