MIDDLESBROUGH will not be re-signing James Morrison after their former midfielder penned a new two-year deal with West Brom.

Morrison had been expected to leave the Hawthorns this summer, and Boro have been touted as a possible destination for the Darlington-born playmaker for most of the summer.

Boro officials have held discussions with their counterparts at West Brom, and Morrison had been regarded as a viable target.

However, Aitor Karanka opted to look elsewhere, and with Boro on the brink of confirming a €14m deal for Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon, Morrison has opted to sign an extended deal with the Baggies.

The 30-year-old has made more than 270 appearances for West Brom since signing from Middlesbrough nine years ago.

Morrison said: "I was aware of the speculation and some of the stories were true. I had a good sit down and think about it - did I need a new challenge? What more could I do with the club?

"I spoke with my family, the chairman, Richard Garlick, and they told me their vision about where we go from here and I also thought about the end of last season. I didn't like the way I went out - walking around the pitch and then out the door.

"I had worked too hard for it to finish like that. Now I hope that we can push the club on again because we all have to accept that since finishing eighth we haven't done as well as we wanted to."

West Brom boss Tony Pulis added: "It was inevitable that James would consider his options at the end of his contract but we're delighted that he as decided to sign back up with Albion. 

"He will be keen to prove his worth this season and we are sure he has a big contribution to make."