Middlesbrough wrap up signing of free-agent Watmore

Middlesbrough have signed former Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore on a short-term deal.

The 26-year-old has agreed an initial contract until mid-January with the Sky Bet Championship.

Only last month TEAMtalk revealed Middlesbrough were considering offering a contract to Watmore.

He had been been training with Neil Warnock’s first team at Rockliffe at the end of October and was  keen on securing a move to The Riverside.

Warnock though refused to commit himself at a press conference at the time. The Boro boss had publicly said he was not expecting to make any signings

The former England Under-21 international left the Black Cats after seven years at the end of last season but boss Warnock has been pleased with Watmore’s attitude.

“I’m ever so pleased we’ve been able to get him on board,” Warnock told the club’s website.

“He’s done very well in training and he’s a smashing lad. He fits in really well in the dressing and I’m hoping that he can give us a bit of something different.

“It’s only a short-term contract and it’s up to him to show us that he deserves a longer one.”