Pukstas joins US contingent at Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough have signed their third American player this summer with the arrival of midfielder Rokas Pukstas for a fee reported to be about £4.3m (5m euros).

The 22-year-old has joined Boro from Croatian club Hadjuk Split on a five-year contract and is their 10th senior recruit in the transfer window.

Pukstas joins midfield compatriot Sebastian Berhalter and winger Max Arfsten at the Riverside, where they have linked up with fellow American Aidan Morris who was already in the squad.

Pukstas, who is of Lithuanian descent, has spent his entire professional career in Croatia but has played for the US age-group teams up to Under-23 level.

"I had a call with the coach and directors here," he told the Middlesbrough website, external.

"He (Kim Hellberg) is a fascinating coach, the people are lovely and it reminds me of home. Everything seems aligned now I'm here."

Boro are fifth in the Championship with two wins from their opening three matches.