Neil Warnock reacts as Middlesbrough beat competition to sign ex-Celtic winger Patrick Roberts from Manchester City

Roberts spent the second half of last season on loan at Boro but missed part of the campaign with a hamstring injury after arriving in January.

Yet the playmaker became a popular figure with supporters due to his ability in the final third and played a big part in Boro’s relegation battle last term.

Roberts featured in six of the eight games after Warnock’s arrival in June and scored a match-winning goal at Reading

Warnock spoke to Roberts before Boro’s 2-1 win over Barnsley a week ago and said the player was looking forward to the move.

Boro’s club statement claimed the 23-year-old was again attracting interest from a number of clubs while he was surplus to requirements at City.

Warnock told the club’s website: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to get him because I felt we needed that bit of something different,” said the Boro boss.

“I’ve been waiting on Patrick, we all know what he can do and I feel with the current squad we have I can make him a better player.”

Roberts is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s Championship game against Reading at the Riverside.

Boro have now made five signings this transfer window following the arrivals of Grant Hall, Sam Morsy, Marcus Bettinelli and Chuba Akpom.

The Teessiders are also considering other centre-back options before Friday’s domestic deadline.

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