MIDDLESBROUGH'S transfer spree has continued with the permanent signing of defender George Edmundson.

The centre-half has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at the Riverside on the back of his impressive loan spell in the first half of the season.

It's another boost for Michael Carrick after this week's captures of Ryan Giles and Morgan Whittaker.

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Edmundson made 21 appearances for Boro in the first half of the season before he was recalled by Ipswich earlier this week. That came after unsuccessful negotiations between the clubs, but talks continued and an agreement was reached late in the week.

Edmundson then completed his medical on Friday before his arrival was confirmed on Saturday morning.

Edmundson will provide crucial competition at the heart of the defence. Although he lost his place in the side to Rav van den Berg and Dael Fry, he was above Matt Clarke in the pecking order. Clarke has been linked with a move away this month.