Middlesbrough sign Grant Leadbitter

Middlesbrough have secured the signing of Ipswich Town midfielder Grant Leadbitter on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal with the club, has revealed that he cannot wait to begin his Riverside career.

"I'm pretty excited. I wanted a fresh challenge and when the opportunity to join Middlesbrough came in, I just couldn't turn it down. I just want to play well for Middlesbrough and get the club in the Premier League," he told the club's official website.

Leadbitter joined Ipswich from Sunderland in 2009.