MIDDLESBROUGH'S attempts to sign Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu have failed, with the attacking midfielder opting to sign a new contract with Luton Town.

Ruddock Mpanzu's previous contract expired at the end of last season, and it had initially looked as though he would leave Kenilworth Road.

Middlesbrough officials held talks with the 27-year-old and his representatives, and had been hopeful of persuading him to move to Teesside.

Blackburn also held talks, but Ruddock Mpanzu has opted to remain with Luton, having initially joined the Hatters from West Ham in 2013.

He told Luton'swebsite: "I love it at Luton, everyone knows that. 'The Kenny' has become my second home and we’ve achieved so much in my time here.

"I know it’s taken a while with going away on international duty, an honour which playing for Luton has helped me achieve, but I know I’ve made the right decision.

"I have a special relationship with the supporters here as we’ve been on a journey together right from the Conference, and I couldn’t leave without experiencing a packed ‘Kenny’ again.

"I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things. It’ll be so good to be back among the lads and hopefully together we can go on to make so many more memories."