The 20-year-old Sparta Rotterdam forward has signed a four-year deal after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Emnes reportedly attracted interest from a number of European clubs after he scored eight goals in 26 games last term and was named as Sparta fans' player of the year.

Boro, however, have won the race to secure his signature, and Southgate has expressed his delight at the capture.

"We feel we have signed an exciting young player in Marvin," Southgate told the club's official website.

"Last season was his breakthrough year at Sparta Rotterdam and he ended the campaign with a flurry, scoring eight goals in his final 10 games.

"He can play anywhere across the front line, so he has versatility to go with pace, energy and technical skills.

"Marvin is very enthusiastic about coming to England and the challenge of Premier League football.

"He also fits the profile of the sort of players we want at Middlesbrough, in that he is a young player with hunger, energy and pace."

Rotterdam-born Emnes was Sparta's player of the year last season and made 55 league appearances for his home-town club.

He has played as an out-and-out striker and also in a wide midfield role, and his adaptability is something Southgate will seek to use.

The manager is working hard to strengthen his midfield resources this summer after allowing Fabio Rochemback and Gaizka Mendieta to leave the club and with the futures of George Boateng and Gary O'Neil yet to be decided.

In addition, the Teessiders are having the contend with yet more speculation that England winger Stewart Downing, who signed a new five-year contract last season, could be a target for Liverpool.

Boro are well-served in attack - £12.7million club record signing Afonso Alves and Turkey international Tuncay Sanli formed an impressive partnership during the final few weeks of the last campaign, while Jeremie Aliadiere enjoyed an encouraging first season at the Riverside Stadium and Mido is fit again after a complicated groin problem.

Emnes is more likely to be used in an attacking midfield role, and Southgate believes he has the qualities to make a real impact.

He said: "There was a lot of interest in Marvin and I know that both Ajax and Feyenoord were keen.

"But we got ahead of both to complete the signing of a player who I hope can excite our fans.

"He is just the sort of talented, young player that I feel we need to be attracting to the club, so I am delighted."

Emnes' arrival ended a long wait for Southgate after weeks of negotiations over a series of targets.

Indeed, the deal was wrapped up quickly in comparison to those for Paris St Germain's Didier Digard and Reading's James Harper.

It is understood both are ongoing and that the club's move for the 21-year-old Frenchman will not be hampered by his current employers' decision to suspend him.

PSG were furious at the player's allegations that they were holding up his switch to the Riverside and are currently deciding on his punishment.