Transfer breakthrough: Karanka hails new Boro signing Kike Sola a

Aitor Karanka hopes new signing Kike Sola can bring something 'extra' to Middlesbrough's promotion push.
Boro manager Aitor KarankaBoro manager Aitor Karanka
Boro manager Aitor Karanka

The Championship leaders today confirmed the loan signing of the 29-year-old striker from Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao.

He linked up with his new team-mates, including fellow strikers Cristhian Stuani, Diego Fabbrini, David Nugent and his namesake Kike, ahead of the trip to Bristol City.

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A delighted Karanka is excited about working with the forward as they look to gain promotion back to the Premier League.

Karanka said: “He is a player who can bring something different.

“He is strong, he can play as a second striker and as a number 10.

“He brings something extra we don’t have.”

A former Spanish Under-21 international, Kike Sola started his career as a youth player at Athletic Bilbao and returned to the club in 2013 from Osasuna.

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The striker, whose full name is Enrique ‘Kike’ Sola Clemente, has made 10 appearances for Bilbao this season.

Boro, who are five points clear at the top of the Championship, play third-bottom Bristol City at Ashton Gate tomorrow (KO 3pm).