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Boro agree fee for Pompey's O'Neil

Written by Ramaz Mitaishvili
Friday, 31 August 2007
Middlesbrough agreed to sign Portsmouth midfielder Gary O'Neil for £5m 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, 25, agreed a three-year contract after impressing Southgate during a trial last week. He will link up with compatriot Mido, who recently moved to the Riverside Stadium from Tottenham Hotspur. Southgate is also giving a trial to former Everton and Newcastle defender Alessandro Pistone. The Italian is a free agent so could be signed after the transfer window closes on Friday night. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's Jamaican international Jason Euell has joined Southampton on a free transfer. Euell signed a two-year contract with the Championship club. !