Middlesbrough agree fee for O'Neil and sign Shawky

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

MIDDLESBROUGH, England (AFP) — Middlesbrough agreed to sign Portsmouth midfielder Gary O'Neil for five million pounds on Friday.

O'Neil is on Teeside for a medical after Gareth Southgate's side had their offer accepted.

Southgate admitted he was surprised to be able to get O'Neil, who has been a mainstay of Portsmouth's team for several seasons.

"We've agreed a deal with Portsmouth and pretty much agreed everything with the player," Southgate said.

"He is someone I have admired for some time. I didn't think he would become available but he has for various reasons at Portsmouth."

Southgate had already completed one signing on Friday. He landed Egypt midfielder Mohamed Shawky from African champions Al Ahly for 650,000 pounds.

Shawky,...