Middlesbrough have acted swiftly in the transfer market to
sign defender Jack Stephens on a season-long loan deal from Southampton.
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| Stephens playing for Swindon in League One last season |
The 21 year old has made just one appearance for the Saints
which came in an FA Cup tie against Coventry back in 2012, but has signed a two
year contract extension with South coast club before agreeing terms with Boro.
Stephens spent last season on loan at league one side
Swindon Town where he played 42 games including the play-off final defeat to
Preston back in May.
The news abruptly broke around Friday tea time, just a
couple of days after Boro defender Ben Gibson limped off the pitch with a
hamstring strain during a pre-season friendly away at Barnsley. Although the
injury isn’t a major one, Gibson is unlikely to start Boro’s opening game
against Preston this weekend according to Middlesbrough’s
Evening Gazette.
The signing of Stephens should provide cover for manager
Aitor Karanka who, after losing Gibson, only had Daniel Ayala and Jonathan
Woodgate available as established centre backs.
That could allow Stephens to make his Boro debut at Deepdale
in six days’ time. Earlier in his career the defender learnt his traits as a
right back but has since become more familiar in the centre half position.
"It's now important for me to play more games and
improve as a player," he
told Southampton's website.
"There's going to be a bit of pressure with
Middlesbrough expected to get promoted, but that can only be a good thing for
me."
Boro have also allowed goalkeeper Connor Ripley to join
Scottish side Motherwell on loan until January, with the 22 year old hoping to
play more regular first team football.
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