Aitor Karanka has revealed that Cristhian Stuani turned down a move to the Premier League prior to joining Middlesbrough.

The 28-year-old has been in inspired form since linking up with the Smoggies, scoring seven goals in nine appearances to date.

According to Karanka, the £3.6m signing from Espanyol chose the Riverside over a top-flight move in order to earn a spot in a promotion-winning squad.

"It wasn't a surprise to me that we got him because I know how him very well," the Spanish boss is quoted as saying by Gazette Live. "It wasn't like Stewart Downing or David Nugent, where I was surprised that we were able to get them.

"I knew him, and I always knew that he wanted to come to England, not necessarily to play in the Premier League, but to play for a Premier League club, and that is what he considers Middlesbrough to be. It was easy to convince him because he wanted to work with us.

"He wants to play in the Premier League, and he had offers to play in the Premier League or in Spain as well as other offers from different countries with a better contract. But he decided to come here and fight with us because he sees himself playing in the Premier League with Middlesbrough. He is really committed to this club."

Stuani scored 25 goals in 64 appearances for Espanyol prior to joining Boro.