Middlesbrough sign ex-Rotherham United defender Darnell Fisher

The 26-year-old, first-choice right-back at Preston for the past three-and-a-half years, had signed a two-and-a-half year deal.

Fisher could be involved in Boro’s Championship game at Norwich City on Saturday.

Boro boss Neil Warnock said: “We’re delighted to have him. I spoke to Paul Warne at Rotherham who worked with him and he said he’s a smashing lad who’ll fit in really with us.

“He’s an athletic type who’s desperate to come and do well with us. He’s had three-and-a-half years at Preston at this level. He knows what it’s all about and I think he will do well.”

“He has played at our level for three-and-a-half years for Preston and always been reliable. I think he will enjoy the banter we have got here and the type of lads we have got. I just think he will fit in, he just seems that type of lad when I have made my enquiries about him.”

Meanwhile, Warnock has spoken of his delight at landing long-time target Yannick Bolaise after he finally completed his switch to Teesside earlier this week.

On the ex-Everton winger, who could be handed a debut at Carrow Road tomorrow, Warnock said: “He has always been my target from day one, really. It was a mix-up last time before the window closed and I think both parties were guilty of things going wrong between them.

“I talked to him earlier this window. I had other targets as well, which he knew about. Once he decided to stay in England, he was going to come with me.

“I am really pleased that he is here. He is one of those players who makes me happy when I see him in the morning. He has always got a smile on his face. It will be nice. I gave him an opportunity at Palace and it is nice for him to want to come back and help me out.

“I heard he was going to go to Turkey. But he does not want to go to Turkey yet. He can go to Turkey in another couple of years’ time, can’t he. I just felt it was the right time for him.”