MIDDLESBROUGH’S busy day in the transfer window continues with the signing of Bryant Akono Bilongo who will link up with the club’s Under 23’s side.

The 20-year-old has moved to Teesside for an undisclosed fee from Isthmian league side Kingstonian where he featured 28 times this season. He has also been in action with Chelsea’s Under-23’s during a spell of training with the club.

The move follows in the footsteps of the likes of Isaiah Jones, Sam Folarin and Toyosi Olusanya who have all joined the club from non-league sides in Greater London.

Academy manager Craig Liddle said: “Bryant is a player we have been watching for a while and we have hopes for the future.

"Martin has some really strong links with the London area and you only have to look at the other lads who have joined us from that area and see how they have developed as players.

"We welcome Bryant and we look forward to working him."

Kingstonian director Yioryos Vasilaras said: "I am very pleased for Bryant and his family. Bryant is so deserving of this opportunity. As well as being a very talented footballer, he is a polite and humble young man who has clearly demonstrated his first class attitude and ability since joining the club in the summer.

"It has been an honour for Kingstonian to provide him with the playing platform that has enabled him to become a professional footballer.

“We would also like to thank Middlesbrough Football Club, and in their particular their Academy Manager Craig Liddle, Chief Executive Neil Bausor and Secretary Karen Nelson, who have been a pleasure to work with since their initial contact.

"On behalf of my fellow directors, I would like to wish both Bryant and Middlesbrough every success moving forward and we look forward to monitoring Bryant's future career with interest."