Jack Stephens: Middlesbrough sign Southampton defender on loan

Jack Stephens made 37 appearances for Swindon Town in League One last season

Championship side Middlesbrough have signed defender Jack Stephens from Southampton on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old has signed a two-year contract extension with the Saints, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Stephens has made one appearance for the Premier League side, coming on as a substitute in an FA Cup game against Coventry in 2012.

He went on loan to League One club Swindon last season, playing 42 games.

"It's now important for me to play more games and improve as a player," he told Southampton's website.

"There's going to be a bit of pressure with Middlesbrough expected to get promoted, but that can only be a good thing for me."

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