The 24-year-old Academy graduate yesterday completed a £12million move to Aston Villa, but has revealed he has already spoken to chairman Steve Gibson about going back to the Riverside Stadium later in his career.

He told Boro's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "One day, I will be back. I would love to do that.

"In fact, I have already spoken to Steve Gibson about it.

"I want to play at the top level and be with a club that can compete for European places but, if Boro get back to that, then who knows what might happen in the future?

"I'm a Boro fan and I want the club to do well. There are some really good players here and I'm sure they will be up there this season."