Recent Middlesbrough recruit Grant Leadbitter has revealed that manager Tony Mowbray's footballing philosophy sold the club to him.

Leadbitter was convinced to return to the North East from Ipswich Town, and has praised Mowbray for his ambition and the way he wants Middlesbrough to play.

Speaking to BBC Tees, Leadbitter said: "The manager's philosophy behind football, he loves the game, watches football a lot. I like to learn from people like that.

"I met him, I bought into his plans and the way he wants to play."

Leadbitter signed a three-year deal in May.