John Obi Mikel, former Chelsea midfielder, joins Middlesbrough for a short-term contract

Boro has completed the signing of Nigerian international midfielder John Obi Mikel.

The former Chelsea man joined the autonomous player post after leaving China from Tianjin Teda side by mutual consent earlier this month.

He arrived for a short-term contract and will wear the No.2 t-shirt.

Mikel has been decorated several times in Rockliffe for talks with Tony Pulis and Boro senior officials over the past week.

The Nigerian international midfielder was back in Rockliffe this morning to finalize a player change in the short term.

The former Champions League winner was at Boro's headquarters in Hurworth on Monday for advanced discussions on a move.

Mikel, 31, has accepted a personal plan and has also completed the first phase of a medical examination.

Yesterday, he pbaded a second series of rigorous exams and went home to see his family while waiting for the results.

His advisers and Boro's leaders were still fine-tuning the contractual details of a short-term transfer yesterday.

But the fine print on the transfer agreement has now been accepted and the move is approved.

He has not played for 10 weeks, but the powerful and sporty midfielder is healthy and eager to take action.

But it is unlikely that he will be available for the clash with Newport on Saturday because Boro will have to wait for an international clearance.

And they must also apply for a work permit, but given its stature in the game and the Nigerian international record, this should be a formality.

Mikel, 31, has refused the interest sparked by the Premier League Crystal Palace because Roy Hodgson can not guarantee him the regular football he wants for the first team.

Boro also resisted the late interest of rivals Aston Villa and Derby, currently led by former Mikel's Stamford Bridge teammate Frank Lampard.

Mikel also rejected the offers of the German Wolfsburg formation and the Italian Roma training, while he wants to play in England.

It is believed that Boro's chefs were impressed by Mikel's desire to take on a new challenge in a competitive environment.

He joined Tianjin Teda in January 2017 with an advertised package of £ 150,000 per week tax-free.

Mikel scored three goals in 31 matches in 31 games, but did not settle in China (his partner and his children stayed in London) and is expected to suffer a significant reduction to return to England.

Tony Pulis is well-stocked in the midfield but believes that Mikel, physical, imposing and experienced, can strengthen this department.

Mikel played both as a midfielder and as a # 10 player for both the club and the country.

He played for the last time for Tianjin at the end of October, playing the 90s and scoring a 4-2 home defeat against Shenhua.

Mikel has not played for Nigeria since last summer's World Cup, but he is urged to return to the national stage before this summer's African Cup of Nations.

Samson Siasia, former Nigerian coach, said: "Mikel has not played for a while. I believe that he wants to secure his professional situation before worrying for the Super Eagles. "

Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 at the age of 18, following an acrimonious argument after being initially "signed" for Manchester United for a first £ 4 million settlement from the Norwegian club Lyn . The line that was then resolved in court after the intervention of FIFA.

He has an impressive medal collection. He has played more than 350 games for Chelsea in 11 years and has won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League.