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Middlesbrough snags De Roon from Atalanta

Reuters

To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.

Middlesbrough made Marten De Roon its third signing of the summer on Monday, announcing the 25-year-old Dutch midfielder has signed a four-year contract with the newly promoted Premier League club.

The transfer fee wasn't disclosed, but it's believed Aitor Karanka's side paid €14 million (£11.7 million) for De Roon, who impressed during his single season in Serie A. He started all but two matches for Atalanta as he cemented a spot as the club's rugged defensive midfielder last term.

Boro spent the past year scouting De Roon, according to Gazette Live's Jonathan Taylor, and it won his signature in the end. Napoli was also linked with the player.

De Roon's greatest quality is his tenacity, although he's not afraid to take a shot on goal as well. Nicknamed the Bulldog of Bergamo, he also enjoys a good tackle.

"I can be a bit of a dick on the pitch," he told YouTube channel 90/24 Sports in February. "I enjoy standing on someone's toe every now and again or whispering in someone's ear if they do something wrong or miss a chance. Sometimes I go up against really talented players, so you've got to keep on top of them to throw them off their game a bit.

"I play tough but fair. I keep it within the rules of the game."

De Roon, who hasn't played for the Netherlands in a senior capacity, follows Viktor Fischer and Bernardo Espinosa to Teesside.

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