MIDDLESBROUGH: – Middlesbrough signed Egypt midfielder Mohamed Shawky from African champions Al Ahly for 650,000 English pounds on Friday.

Shawky, 25, agreed a three-year contract after impressing manager Gareth Southgate during a trial last week.

He will link up with compatriot Mido, who recently moved to the Riverside Stadium from Tottenham.

Middlesbrough also agreed to sign Portsmouth midfielder Gary O Neil for five million English pounds on Friday.

O Neil is on Teeside for a medical after 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 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.