Wednesday 4 January 2017 12:46, UK
Rudy Gestede has become Middlesbrough's first signing of the transfer window after completing his move from Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old passed a medical on Tuesday evening ahead of what is understood to have been a £6m transfer, and has signed on a three-and-a-half-year deal which will see him stay at the Riverside until June 2020.
Gestede has prior Premier League experience with both Villa and Cardiff City, and has scored four goals in 19 appearances for Steve Bruce's side this season.
Gestede managed five goals in 24 Premier League games for Villa as they were relegated from the top flight last season.
The Benin international's arrival is expected to hasten moves away from Middlesbrough for fellow strikers David Nugent and Jordan Rhodes.
Gestede, who will wear the No 29 shirt for Boro, will compete alongside first-choice strikers Alvaro Negredo and Christian Stuani for a starting role on Teeside.
The new signing could make his Premier League return on January 14 when Middlesbrough take on Watford at Vicarage Road.
