MILLWALL director of football Steve Gallen says he's excited by Ajay Matthews' potential after the Middlesbrough striker completed a permanent move to the Lions.

Matthews has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at The Den after Millwall and Boro agreed a deal. The fee is undisclosed.

The 18-year-old signed a new long-term contract at the Riverside back in October but is understood to believe he has a better chance of first team football at Millwall.

Matthews made his first team debut for Boro last season but hasn't featured in a Championship squad so far this term. There's a belief the deal suits all parties.

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"We're delighted to welcome an exciting talent in Ajay Matthews to the club," said Gallen.

"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."