DUNCAN WATMORE has signed a new long-term deal to remain with Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old has been a revelation since joining Boro as a free agent in the autumn, with his five goals in eight matches helping him earn a nomination for the Championship Player of the Month award for December.

He initially signed on a short-term deal to the middle of January, but has now put pen to paper on a new two-and-a-half year contract that commits him to the Riverside until the summer of 2023.

While he was offered more lucrative terms to move elsewhere, with Stoke City and Bristol City two of a number of Championship clubs to have expressed an interest in securing his services, he has opted to remain with Neil Warnock's Boro squad.

"We’re delighted to get him on board," said Warnock. "I don’t think it was ever in doubt that he would sign with us because he has loved every minute of it here so far.

"He gets on with the players and the staff, and he is really enjoying himself. 

"He’s a real good lad. We’re looking forward to having him here on a longer-term basis now and hopefully seeing him score plenty more goals for the club."