Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has revealed his delight at the signing of Alvaro Negredo and he hopes the Spain international can rediscover his best form at the Riverside Stadium.

The 30-year-old has joined the Premier League new boys on an initial season-long loan deal from Valencia, after enduring a difficult season at the Mestalla, scoring just five goals in 25 La Liga appearances.

The former Sevilla ace is returning for a second spell in the English top flight, after helping Manchester City secure league glory during the 2013-14 campaign.

Negredo scored nine times in the league during his one previous season in England and Boro boss Karanka hopes the forward can rediscover his best form for the Teessiders.

He said: “He is a really good player and if he recovers his best he will be a really important player for us.”

The former Real Madrid assistant believes Negredo’s previous experience of the division will stand him in good stead this season and he believes the striker is in the right place to return to top form.

He added: “Another reason I wanted to sign him is because he has played in this country and he knows the league.

I’m pleased and he’s pleased because he wants to play his best and he knows that England and this club is the best place to recover his self.”

Boro returned to the top flight for the first time since 2009 after finishing second in the Championship last season and they are available at 2.63 to be relegated during the upcoming campaign.