Middlesbrough FC transfer news: Alex Bangura brings experience and leadership as he agrees permanent move

The 24-year-old Sierra Leone left-back has signed a four-year contract at the Riverside.

Boro saw Ryan Giles return to Wolverhampton Wanderers and ultimately move to Luton Town at the end of last season's loan and have started the season with summer addition Lukas Engel playing on the left of the back four.

Like Engel, Bangura can play further forward but manager Michael Carrick appears to see him pushing for the defensive position after signing the Feyenoord youth product for an undisclosed fee.

"He's a really exciting signing," he said of Boro’s 12th signing of the window. "He's a left-back and he's captained his team.

"He's a good character with a great personality and he won't have any problem fitting into the group."

The five-cap international made over 100 appearances for Dutch Eerste Divisie side Cambuur.