Hull City are poised to make George Boateng their third signing of the summer after agreeing a deal with Middlesbrough for the experienced Dutch midfield player.

Phil Brown, the Hull manager, will attempt to agree personal terms with the 32-year-old, who has been looking for a new club since being told he was not guaranteed first-team football at the Riverside.

“The deal between ourselves and Middlesbrough has been agreed," Brown said. “It’s now just a matter of fine-tuning the deal between us and George - a process that does take time.”

Middlesbrough bought Boateng from Aston Villa for £5 million in 2002. Barry Silkman, his agent, said: “He has a year left on his contract, but he’s been there for five or six years and given them good service.

“He played about 80 per cent of the season, but he just thinks that maybe it is the right time to move on. Middlesbrough recognise he has been a great professional and say they won’t hold out for a king’s ransom should he wish to leave.”

Gareth Southgate, the Middlesbrough manager, said: “George has expressed a desire to move on. He’s having talks with a couple of other clubs and that is the decision he has got to make now.”

Hull, who are preparing for their first season in the Premier League, have signed Geovanni from Manchester City on a free transfer and paid Derby County £750,000 for Craig Fagan.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have secured the futures of three of their most promising young players. Tony McMahon and Tom Craddock, both 21, have agreed one-year deals with the club, while Joe Bennett, 18, has signed his first professional contract.