West Ham United midfielder Marcus Browne is set to be announced as Jonathan Woodgate's first major signing for Middlesbrough this summer, according to the Teesside Gazette.

Browne has travelled north for a medical and to complete his move to the Championship side, who are yet to make any eye-catching signings this summer.

The Teesside club are desperately hoping that former central defender and inexperienced manager Jonathan Woodgate can lead them to a better finish this season after falling out of the play-off places last term under Tony Pulis.

Middlesbrough fans will also be craving a more attractive style of play, something that Tony Pulis has been criticised for in the past when managing teams such as Stoke City, West Brom and in north Yorkshire at the Riverside.

Although it's been a frustrating season for Boro fans, with the departures of Stewart Downing, Aden Flint and Martin Braithwaite, Browne could be just one of many players to arrive at Middlesbrough between now and 8th August.

Here are three reasons why Middlesbrough's agreement with West Ham for Marcus Browne could be a good move for all parties.

Middlesbrough perspective: He has the potential to become a key player

Although Browne is surplus to requirements at West Ham United, he could develop in to a very good player at just 21. This is a very smart signing by Jonathan Woodgate and Middlesbrough's coaching staff, who could help Browne improve vastly.

If he does improve, his valuation will sky-rocket, which can only help Boro when trying to manoeuvre in the transfer market in terms of abiding by the EFL's profit and sustainability rules.

This is a win-win situation for Boro, who will either see him become a key player for the club and help them climb up the Championship table or he could be sold for a very sizeable fee in the future. Getting good value for money from players is vital and Woodgate might have unearthed a gem with the signing of the attacking midfielder.

West Ham perspective: He's a fringe player who's just another wage on the books

Although Browne is a highly-rated player, West Ham currently have players who have more Premier League experience and/or have more ability at this moment in time. This is despite Browne being able to play both in attacking midfield and as a winger.

Manuel Lanzini and new signing Pablo Fornals will provide the club with options in the advanced midfield area. The signing of Fornals may have signalled the end of Browne's time with West Ham, with manager Manuel Pellegrini seemingly reluctant to give Browne a run of games in the first team.

In the wing area, Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko are two of the Irons' key players and are unlikely to be pushed out the side by the 21-year-old. Selling Browne will mean that West Ham can get another player off the wage bill.

Marcus Browne: A fresh start and a chance to play first-team football

Although he played regularly for League One side Oxford United last season, there was little chance that Browne was going to be given a chance under Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium with the quality of the other first team players.

This move could give Browne the opportunity to play regular football at a team in the tier higher than he was playing at last season with Oxford United. At 21, this is likely to be exactly what the midfielder needs to be able to kick-start his career.

The new manager at Middlesbrough has a point to prove and so does Browne. This could be a very good match for the West Ham player, signing for a club that was in the Premier League a few years ago. He will be in competition with Marcus Tavernier and Marvin Johnson for a starting lineup spot on the wing, which is a challenge that could help raise his performance levels.