Middlesbrough sign striker Patrick Bamford from Chelsea on half-season loan ... at last

STADIUM OF DE-LIGHT: MK Dons Patrick Bamford celebrates his goal during last season's Capital One Cup match at the Stadium of Light

The transfer saga has dragged on and on and at one stage it looked as though Nottingham Forest may snatch the gifted forward as several clubs circled.

But Karanka has finally got his man and he will hope the 20-year-old will bag the goals which will fire Boro towards the Premier League.

Bamford, who has impressed for Chelsea during pre-season, has already displayed his credentials in the Sky Bet leagues.

He scored eight goals in 23 appearances for Derby County last season, following on from 14 goals during his time with MK Dons, including one past Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The protracted nature of his move to the Riverside has been something of a surprise given Karanka worked as Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho when the ‘Special One’ was in charge at Real Madrid.

But the end result will be all important for Karanka – he now has Bamford who will form a potent frontline with the excellent Kike.

Bamford will come straight into the squad for Saturday’s match against Reading.