Victor Valdes joins Middlesbrough

The Spaniard joined United in January 2015, but a public fallout with then-manager Louis van Gaal – who accused him of refusing to play for the reserves – saw him shipped out to Belgian outfit Standard Liege on loan last season.

However, he has elected to return to England to team up with Middlesbrough, who finished second in the Championship last season, for the 2016-17 campaign.

"You can't imagine how delighted I am because it's not usual to bring players like him to recently promoted teams," Boro boss Aitor Karanka told the club’s official website.

"I'm really pleased because he is really committed. All the conversations we've had he knows why he is here and he is coming to add to what we have.

"He knows how strong this group is. It's a privilege for us to be able to bring a player like this to the club."

It’s a huge coup for Middlesbrough.

Not only will he provide much-needed experience next season, his arrival will potentially tempt over big names over to Teesside. It’s yet another example of the Premier League’s pulling power. Expect plenty more surprise transfers between now and August 31.