MIDDLESBOUGH have confirmed the signing of Matt Crooks - with the midfielder set to make his first appearance for the club in this evening's pre-season friendly at Plymouth Argyle.

Crooks, who becomes Boro's fifth summer signing, joins from Rotherham United for a fee which is understood to be around £1.1m.

The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Teessiders after linking up with the first-team squad at their training camp in the South-West earlier this week.

Boro boss Neil Warnock said: "I'm delighted to have got him, I've always liked Matthew, for many years. 

"He can play in different positions, and he's a whole-hearted player that I think the fans will take to. I'm sure he'll have a good few years at Middlesbrough."

Crooks made almost 100 appearances for Rotherham after joining in 2019, and helped the Millers win promotion from League One.

He scored seven goals in 42 appearances last season, and was named Championship Player of the Month in January.