BURY striker George Miller has completed a move to Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee, the club have confirmed.

The 18-year-old front man flew into the North East from Bury's Spanish training camp yesterday to undergo a medical and has today agreed personal terms to complete the switch to the Championship club.

Chairman Stewart Day said earlier in the week that he has negotiated a clause in the contract that will allow Bury first refusal to take the Bolton-born forward back on loan, if he is made available by Boro boss Gary Monk.

Miller is the second striker to leave the club for the Championship this week after last season's top scorer James Vaughan yesterday agreed terms on a £900,000 switch to Sunderland.

Manager Lee Clark believes the Shakers will continue to lose their best players to clubs higher up the football pyramid, as long as they remain in League One.

"Until we get to that level, when these clubs come calling we have to realise the position we are in,” said the Bury boss.

"George's move is very similar to James Vaughan’s in terms of the size of the club he is going to, it’s an opportunity for him that is just too good to turn down."

Miller, who is the nephew of former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, graduated through Bury's youth ranks to become a regular member of the first team.

He made his breakthrough last season, scoring a number of goals from the bench, and finished with eight goals in total from 32 appearances.

While Clark is disappointed to lose the talented teenager, he had nothing but praise for his attitude, which was seen as a key factor behind his speedy progression from youth-team player to Championship striker.

“George is a great kid, he is hard-working, conscientious and just wants to get better," Clark told the Bury FC website.

"He goes against the trait of your standard footballer because he is very down to earth.

"He doesn’t bother about the champagne lifestyle and all the trappings that come with being a footballer.

“He is a very down to earth boy."

It is understood Bury have already made moves to bring in replacements.

Newcastle striker Tom Heardman was confirmed on a season-long loan on Monday, while at least two more forwards are expected to join before Sunday's friendly at home to Huddersfield.