Stojanovic to challenge Pears as Boro number one

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Dejan Stojanovic from Swiss side St Gallen.

Stojanovic had been a target for Boro in recent days as they looked to replace West Ham bound Darren Randolph.

With Randolph completing his move to West Ham United on Wednesday, Boro have moved to bring in the 26-year-old as his replacement.

The news which was announced on Thursday revealed that the stopper had signed a contract until 2023 with the club.

It is understood that Middlesbrough paid a transfer fee fee of around £1 million for the highly-rated stopper.

Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate revealed that the signing was important to add competition to the team with departure of Randolph.

"With Darren joining West Ham it was important that we added competition," he said.

Stojanovic would be expected to compete with academy graduate Aynsley Pears for the number one jersey at the club.

Pears has been impressive in the past month, keeping seven clean sheets in 12 matches for the club and is expected to start on Friday night as Boro face Fulham at Craven Cottage, with Stojanovic expected to join the team on Sunday.

Stojanovic made 51 appearances in all competitions for St Gallen.