Pulis also looking to strengthen his attacking options this month
Friday 25 January 2019 11:53, UK
Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis says the signing of John Obi Mikel has given everyone at the club "a massive lift".
The 31-year-old Nigeria international joined Middlesbrough on Thursday, and Pulis believes the midfielder's mentality - as well as his impressive CV - can have a positive impact in the dressing room.
"He's a winner," Pulis said. "He's had that experience, and Chelsea won almost everything with him as part of the team.
"A good player, and a winner, and hopefully that rubs off on everyone around the football club."
Mikel captained Nigeria at last summer's World Cup and returns to English football having been a free agent since the end of the Chinese Super League season in November.
"There were lots of other clubs interested," added Pulis. "We spent a bit of time on it, and we've convinced him it'll be a good challenge for him.
"Him coming through the door and into training yesterday gave everyone a massive lift. Hopefully we can get one or two more of that ilk."
The Boro boss hopes he can continue to strengthen the squad, but has ruled out a move for last summer's target Yannick Bolasie, despite the winger's return to parent club Everton from Aston Villa.
"Yannick is not coming here, we've not spoken to him," he said. "We've got other things moving, and we're desperately keen to add players at the front of the pitch.
"John coming up was a surprise, a bonus, and an opportunity we thought we couldn't miss.
"But we're looking to add pace and power up top.
"We've got irons in the fire and you're waiting for things to drop. We're trying our best and you never know, it's just a case of keeping your fingers crossed."
Meanwhile, Pulis responded to speculation linking captain Grant Leadbitter with a return to boyhood club Sunderland.
"I think they're talking," he said. "Grant's a wonderful professional, he's been fantastic since I've been at the club.
"He's a Sunderland lad, and it'd be a wonderful move for him.
"Grant has a lot of affection for Sunderland, as he does with this club.
"We'll do anything we can. But the finances are out of my hands, they're between both parties."
Middlesbrough face Newport County at home on Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup, before returning to Sky Bet Championship action a week later when they play West Brom at The Hawthorns.
