Millwall have secured the signing of young striker Ajay Matthews after agreeing an undisclosed fee with Middlesbrough.

The striker has attracted a lot of attention in recent years and made his Boro debut at the end of last season. He came off the bench in games against Leeds United and Cardiff City before then signing a new two-year deal on Teesside in October.

However, the former England youth international could not see a pathway to the Boro first-team and opted to move on this month as Millwall made enquiries and ultimately then agreed a deal. He has signed a long-term contract at the Den, where his team-mates will include former Boro players Aaron Connolly and Duncan Watmore, loanee Josh Coburn and also Teessider Macaulay Langstaff.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough stance as Millwall make loan approach for defender Anfernee Dijksteel

READ MORE: Emmanuel Latte Lath fee agreed as Middlesbrough quickly turn attentions to replacement

They will all provide competition for Matthews, and while Millwall have outlined plans to be patient with the 18-year-old, they also plan to integrate him straight into their first-team in the capital.

Director of football Steve Gallen told the club website: "We're delighted to welcome an exciting talent in Ajay Matthews to the club. An England youth international, he has been playing for Middlesbrough's Under 21s and we see this as a very good signing for our football club.

"Ajay's an old-fashioned centre-forward who we've identified as having a number of positive attributes already for his young age. His pressing, aerial threat and the desire to have the ball to feet is impressive and - most importantly - he loves to score goals.

"He is only 18-years-old, so we will have to be patient and protect the expectations around him. He will be out there training with the first-team everyday, which will be key in his development. We look forward to seeing the impact he can make in the future."

Matthews has been a regular for Boro's under-21 side this season and has five Premier League 2 goals. But he now moves on in the hope of earning more senior game-time at the Den. The Lions are also interested in signing Coburn permanently and Anfernee Dijksteel on loan this month.