Middlesbrough have completed the signing of former England Under-21 international striker Leroy Lita on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old has signed a three-year contract at at the Riverside and has joined as a free agent following his release by Reading at the end of last season.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate was eager to improve his striking options ahead of the new campaign with Afonso Alves and Tuncay expected to follow Mido out of the exit door this summer following the club's relegation from the Premier League

Sheffield United, who Boro face in the opening match of the new Championship season on Friday night, were also interested in Lita, who netted twenty goals in 77 league games during his four year spell with Reading.

But Lita has turned down a move to Bramall Lane in favour of a switch to Teeside, although it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to feature in Friday's clash given his inactivity during pre-season.