Atlanta sign Latte Lath for MLS record

Atlanta United have signed Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath, the club announced on Tuesday, in what sources have told ESPN is an MLS-record deal.

Latte Lath, who has scored 29 goals in 67 appearances for the English second-tier side in the last two seasons, arrives for a reported $22 million plus add-ons, surpassing what FC Cincinnati acquired Kévin Denkey for ($16.2m) last November.

The Ivory Coast striker becomes Atlanta's second major signing of the winter, after bringing midfielder Miguel Almirón back to the club from Newcastle United.

"We're excited to sign Latte Lath and look forward to welcoming him to the club and the city of Atlanta," sporting director Chris Henderson said.

"He's a forward with excellent pace and good goalscoring instincts. His ability to stretch the field will add another dimension to our attack.

"At 26 years old, he's entering the prime years of his career and has already shown his goal-scoring ability in multiple leagues in Europe."