Striker Bamford joins Omeruo at Riverside

The forward has been training with the club this week and is likely to be included in their squad for today’s home game against Reading.

The 20-year-old has previously be loaned out by Chelsea to Milton Keynes Dons and Derby County.

“Everyone knows that Patrick is a very good player with a bright future in the game,” said Boro head coach Aitor Karanka.

“He scored a lot of goals during his previous loan spells and will be a good addition to our squad.

“I first enquired about trying to bring Patrick to Middlesbrough last December so I am delighted that everything has now been agreed. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Bamford – whose Chelsea club-mate Kenneth Omeruo had already moved to Boro on a season-long loan – is the club’s second season-long signing this week, following in the wake of Tottenham youngster Ryan Fredericks.

The 21-year-old will provide competition for recent capture Damia, with Boro now having two options at least in every department across the pitch.

It has been a hectic week for Karanka, with Boro playing their third home game in seven days today. It is hardly surprising that Karanka said he spent just “10 seconds” digesting his side’s Capital One Cup draw at Liverpool before turning his attentions back to immediate business.

Karanka said: “It is the best thing for me, to come to my desk and have 22 players to choose from, two of each position, and I try to choose the best for the game. I prefer to have 22 choices.

“But I am expecting to improve the squad until the last second, the last moment. After that moment, we will have the best squad possible.”