Middlesbrough have moved quickly to plug the gap left by defender David Wheater and swooped for the signature of Bayern Munich defender Maximilian Haas. The 25-year-old was skipper of Bayern's reserve side and was included in the first-team squad at the beginning of this season by Louis van Gaal.

He was out of contract at the Allianz Arena in the summer and he has now accepted a move to England with the Championship side.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray was delighted to finalise his first capture for the club, saying: "Maximilian was very keen to come here and test himself in English football.

"It's a challenge for him and his arrival will create additional competition for places in that area of the pitch.

"He is a real competitor and comfortable with the ball. The challenge for him is acclimatise to the English game and then take any opportunity that comes his way."