Boro win race for non-league prospect Johnson

Middlesbrough have won the race to sign highly-rated non-league starlet Brayden Johnson.

The 18-year-old midfielder has caught the eye in 22 appearances for Eastbourne Borough in National League South this season.

The Londoner reportedly received interest from Premier League West Ham and Ipswich and Championship side QPR, but has now signed his first professional deal at the Riverside.

Fleet-footed Johnson will link-up with Mark Tinkler's Under-21 side.