MIDDLESBROUGH have confirmed the signing of defender Ryan Shotton from Birmingham - and are close to finalising the capture of Oxford United forward Marvin Johnson.

Shotton has signed a three-year deal to complete a permanent move from St Andrew's that is understood to be worth around £2.5m.

The 28-year-old becomes Garry Monk's ninth summer signing, having finally been given the green light to complete his move to the Riverside.

Boro officials agreed a deal for the centre-half more than two weeks ago, but Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp was refusing to release him until he had a replacement in place.

Redknapp agreed a £2m deal for Brentford's Harlee Dean yesterday, and the completion of that move has enabled Shotton to move to the North-East.

The centre-half began his career with Stoke City, and also spent a season with Derby County before moving to Birmingham.

His arrival will strengthen the heart of Boro's defence, with Shotton set to compete with Ben Gibson, Dael Fry and Daniel Ayala for a place in Garry Monk's starting line-up.

Boro have also agreed a deal for Johnson, with the Oxford United forward set to put pen to paper well ahead of tomorrow's 11pm transfer deadline.

Johnson has been on Monk’s radar, and the two clubs have been negotiating a fee with an agreement reached that will see Middlesbrough pay £2.5m with a further £500,000 depending on appearances.

Oxford had asked Middlesbrough for more than the £2m initially offered because of a sell-on clause which enabled Motherwell to get a cut of any fee.

Johnson has not figured for Oxford since August 12 because of hamstring trouble, and has also been interesting Leicester, Aston Villa and Birmingham.