Southgate has worked tirelessly to bring Alves to Teesside (AP)

Alves was presented to supporters at the Riverside on Thursday and Southgate is delighted to get him in the side.

He told BBC Tees: "He's a player who's very keen to be here and very keen to make a big impression.

"As a club we've taken the decision we need a natural goalscorer and it gives us something different amonst the strikers we've got."

Interview: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

Southgate was also quick to pay tribute to the strikers already in his ranks and believes Alves' arrival will bring a boost to everyone at the club.

We're excited as much as relieved, he's someone we've been tracking for some time Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

He said: "In Mido's absence Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay [Sanli] have worked their socks off for the team, they've been exciting to watch.

"This gives us competition in the forward areas. He's looking forward to getting out and actually playing now."

It has been a long, protracted transfer for Middlesbrough but Southgate believes it was worth the effort in signing the Brazilian from Heerenveen.

"We're excited as much as relieved, he's someone we've been tracking for some time.