MIDDLESBROUGH have completed the signing of Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Mendez-Laing has joined Boro as a free agent, having been released from Cardiff City shortly before the start of the season.

The 28-year-old began his senior career with Wolves, and also spent time with Peterborough United and Rochdale before moving to Cardiff in 2017.

He had a successful spell at the Cardiff City Stadium, playing under Boro boss Neil Warnock and helping the Bluebirds win promotion to the Premier League.

Warnock has been monitoring his position for a number of weeks, and opted to make his move today after it emerged Derby County were also ready to offer him a contract.

Mendez-Laing opted for Boro as he is keen to work with Warnock again, and has successfully passed a medical with the Teessiders.

Warnock said: "I know Mendez well and he’ll give us an added dimension. It’ll be couple of weeks before he’s match fit but it’ll be great to have him for this run-in now. 

“We have been short of wide players and he is a player with something to prove. We’re looking forward to having him here.”

Meanwhile, Boro defender Nathan Wood has joined League One side Crewe Alexandra on loan until the end of the season.