Middlesbrough have ruled out seeking foreign ownership.

"Ever since 1876, when Middlesbrough football club was born, I don't think it has been under foreign ownership throughout its 132 years," said chief executive Keith Lamb.

"Steve Gibson has no intentions for the club to be anything other than a community asset for Middlesbrough. And at the same time an asset for the people of the town.

"Boro are a small club. Steve Gibson said we are a David taking on a Goliath every time we play, but David sometimes wins. What we have to do is to make sure we get the best value for our money.

"We have to win the hearts and support of the fans and we have to sign players who are committed to the cause and who want to play for Middlesbrough football club and who believe their ambitions can be satisfied by playing here."

In light of the recent major takeover which has seen Manchester City bought out by an Abu Dhabi-based group - Lamb questions why there is such a strong foreign interest in English football.

"I am very concerned about English football and the effects of foreign ownership will have on the Premier League teams," he said.

"I don't really see what the foreign owners will get out of this in the long-term.

"Football is all about tribalism and the fans love their teams. I don't see how the investments of the corporation from Abu Dhabi or people living in Russia or the United States will get out of it.

"I know the game is global and fans all over the world like to keep in touch with Premier League football, but you don't need foreign investment for this.

"Maybe it's good for TV rights but I am not sure how good in the long-term it is for these clubs to have foreign ownership or why they have got it."