Riley McGree: Middlesbrough sign Australia midfielder on permanent deal

Riley McGree grew up in South Australia and played for Adelaide United in the A-League

Middlesbrough have signed midfielder Riley McGree from Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC on a three-and-a-half year contract.

The 23-year-old Australia international ended his loan spell at Birmingham at the end of December, having scored two goals in 16 games.

McGree, who lists Adelaide United and Melbourne City among his former clubs, also spent last season at St Andrew's.

"We beat off strong competition," Boro boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Tees.

"We've certainly got an asset in signing Riley. He's ambitious, aggressive, wants to do well and he's a winner.

"We're quite light on left-footers and Riley can play in a two-man midfield, at number 'eight' or '10', or as a left wing-back.

"He's very versatile, and a talented young player."

The Teessiders have also added the loan signings of striker Folarin Balogun from Arsenal and Brighton's Aaron Connolly this month.

Meanwhile, Wales international left-back Neil Taylor, 32, has extended his stay with the club until the end of the season after joining on a short-term deal in November.

"There's a lot of nonsense that we've blown people out of the water in terms of fees and wages," Wilder added.

"With Folarin, Connolly and McGree, we've been into these players for a while now. We've understood the deals and situations, these boys are coveted by other clubs.

"But you ask these three players where they want to come and they want to be, they've got their opinion. I genuinely think they want to be here.

"It shows the hard work we put in, around the characteristics, the type of players we want to bring in."

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