Middlesbrough boss delighted with Forshaw signing

The highly-rated 23-year-old midfielder has signed for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £2m.

The Boro boss was keen to add a midfielder during the transfer window and Forshaw will go straight into his squad.

“He’s just the type of player I want here,” said Karanka.

“He fits the profile of the players we want at the club.

“He’s a good lad and he’s a good player.

“It’s important to bring in players who know the league and Adam fits that.

“He’s a good addition to what we have here.”

Forshaw came up through the ranks at Everton’s Academy and made two appearances with the first team, but it was a move to Brentford – who Boro play this weekend – that saw his career take off.

Named Brentford’s Player of the Season in the 2013-14 campaign, he joined the Bees in February 2012, but a loan period turned in to a full-time deal that summer and he went on to make 100 appearances for the club.

Forshaw made the move to Wigan in September and has made 17 appearances for the Latics this season, including one against Boro in November.

He is now looking forward to the challenge at the Riverside outfit.

“I was up for the challenge of coming to Middlesbrough,” said Forshaw.

“I know how big the club is.

“There’s a good manager and a good set of players.

“Watching them from afar their style of play is good, it’s something I wanted to be a part of, and I didn’t need convincing.”

The Liverpudlian spent time at the club’s Rockliffe Park training ground on Tuesday morning ahead of his switch from the DW Stadium.

Karanka already has plenty of options in central midfield with the likes of Grant Leadbitter, Adam Clayton and Dean Whitehead competing for a midfield berth and Forshaw will further boost his options.

Forshaw should be available for Saturday’s trip to his former club at Griffin Park.