MIDDLESBROUGH are set to complete the signing of in-demand non-league star Brayden Johnson.

The 18-year-old midfielder has turned heads with Eastbourne Borough in National League South this season and has been watched by a string of clubs, with Ipswich, West Ham and QPR among the clubs understood to have shown an interest.

But Boro have won the battle for the all-action midfielder, the Northern Echo understands.

It's been a remarkable rise for Johnson, who has no academy background and only joined Eastbourne in the summer. But he quickly established himself in the side and has played a starring role for Borough, who are currently in the play-off places in National League South and just three points off the top.

Johnson is understood to have been flagged to Boro by one of Martin Carter's scouts, with the midfielder then watched closely by Carter, head of academy recruitment, and Chris Jones, head of recruitment.

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Johnson will initially link up with Boro's Under-21s and will be allowed time to adjust to his new surroundings and the step-up in level. But head coach Michael Carrick is always keen to give youngsters a taste of first team training when he believes they're ready.

Boro have past success when it comes to plucking players from non-league, with Isaiah Jones making 149 first team appearances after joining from Tooting and Mitcham before leaving for Luton Town in a deal worth £5m earlier this month.

Having stepped up to join Eastbourne in the summer after impressing on trial, Johnson has made 24 appearances in National League South. He's scored one and has two assists to his name.

When he joined Eastbourne in the summer, he said: “It is a massive club, so coming here is very exciting. You want to express yourself and give your best for the team.

“Every match, I’ll put in 100% effort because I appreciate how big this club is and the demand from the fans and the support you give. With every single match I play, and every single training session, I’ll give 100% effort to constantly improve and put my body on the line for the club.”