Chelsea defender Robert Huth reveals he has agreed terms with Middlesbrough on a five-year deal which he expects to sign after the World Cup.

Huth admitted that a lack of first team football with champions Chelsea had been behind his decision to leave Stamford Bridge.

New Boro manager Gareth Southgate held talks with Huth and, ironically, Southgate's switch into the Boro hotseat to replace England manager to be Steve McClaren created a centre-half vacancy at the Riverside Stadium.

"Nothing has been signed but I think we will do it in the next few weeks," said Huth after Germany press officer Harald Stenger had introduced him and manager Jurgen Klinsmann to the press and revealed a deal had been agreed.

Huth, 21, said: "They (Boro) approached me after the season and I was very affected by the offer. I met with Gareth Southgate and I had an intensive conversation with him. It was very interesting.

"For me the most important thing was to play. I had offers from other English clubs but they all had four or five central defenders so I decided to go to Middlesbrough where I will see enough playing time."