Middlesbrough have signed former England Under-21 striker Leroy Lita on a three-year deal.

The 24-year-old forward, released by Reading this summer, joins Boro on a free transfer as they attempt to return to the English Premier League at the first attempt.

The manager has been after me for about a year, it's great to feel wanted. I aim to repay him for his faith in me with goals.
Leroy Lita on his move to Boro

"I'm raring to go," he told the club's official website. "I haven't enjoyed the last two seasons one bit but this is a fresh start and I'm excited about the challenge.

"Other clubs were interested in signing me but there was only one place I wanted to go and that was Middlesbrough," he went on. "The manager has been after me for about a year, it's great to feel wanted. I aim to repay him for his faith in me with goals."

Boro have also confirmed Egypt striker Mido has signed a year-long loan with Zamalek in his homeland.