Middlesbrough’s George Saville has played down his transfer-fee, insisting that it is just a figure.

Saville was on the move on deadline day last week, with Middlesbrough bringing the midfielder to the Riverside Stadium on loan from Millwall.

That deal will be made permanent when the January transfer window opens, with the fee a reported £8m.

The fee Middlesbrough have laid out for the midfielder makes him one of Northern Ireland’s most expensive players ever, but Saville has played down that detail of his transfer, with the 25-year-old insisting that it is just a figure to him.

Saville told the Belfast Telegraph: “To me it is just a figure.

"In this day and age football is growing and transfers are becoming more expensive. It is a positive move and an opportunity to progress in my career."

Saville joins Middlesbrough at a good time, with the midfielder linking up with a side currently unbeaten in the Sky Bet Championship.

Tony Pulis’ side have 14 points from their opening six fixtures of the season, sitting second in the Championship table.

Since Boro drew 2-2 with Saville’s former club Millwall on the opening day of the season, Pulis’ side haven’t conceded a league goal, keeping five consecutive clean sheets.

Boro face Norwich City at Carrow Road following this weekend’s international break.

The Verdict

Saville’s transfer was one of the most high-profile towards the end of the window, with the fee something that stood out.

However, it’s easy to understand what the midfielder is saying here, as it is just a number.

He hasn’t asked Middlesbrough to pay that amount of money, so he shouldn’t be feeling too much pressure.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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