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Vitesse clinch Havenaar deal

Image: Mike Havenaar: Japan striker looking forward to time at Vitesse after signing contract until 2014

Vitesse Arnhem have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough target Mike Havenaar on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Japan striker looking forward to making his mark in Holland

Vitesse Arnhem have completed the signing of former Middlesbrough target Mike Havenaar on a three-and-a-half year contract. Boro boss Tony Mowbray revealed earlier this week that he had enquired about signing Havenaar, but expected the Japan striker to move to Germany. However, the 24-year-old has opted for a switch to Dutch club Vitesse and will link up with his new side on 3rd January on a free transfer from Ventforet Kofu. "It is a great feeling to know I will be a Vitesse player," he told the club's official website.

Ambition

"I have had a much-needed holiday after an intense year in which a lot happened, and now I am looking forward to starting at Vitesse. "The ambition of the club appeals to me and I hope to meet expectations. "My personal ambitions is to become a better player as I am now. In my view Vitesse and the Dutch league are excellent for that ambitions." Havenaar is the son of former ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Dido Havenaar, who spent a large part of his career in the Far East. The younger Havenaar has made his name as a goalscorer, helping Ventforet Kofu earn promotion to the J. League with 20 goals in the second tier, and then finishing second in the top-flight's goalscoring charts last season with 17. His goals prompted Alberto Zaccharoni to hand him his Japan debut in September and he will now look to impress in European football.

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