Kenneth Omeruo, 21,  struggled for playing opportunities in the second half of last season while on loan at Middlesbrough .

And that largely contributed to the decision of manager Aitor Karanka not to sign the defender on loan for a third time this summer but the Nigeria international still has a soft spot for the Championship outfit.

“I settled into life on Teesside so well that I almost bought a house there,” Omeruo told gazettelive.co.uk.

“The initial paperwork had already been completed but I had to back out at the last minute when the news of my move came through.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to play for Boro and be part of that special group of players.

“ It’s a fantastic football club and I’ve gained a lot of experience from my time there.”

For the 2015 - 2016 campaign, Kenneth Omeruo has been loaned out to Turkish Super Lig club Kasimpasa.