Gestede becomes Middlesbrough's first January signing

Benin international Rudy Gestede has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal with Middlesbrough to complete his move from Championship side Aston Villa, Sky Sports has reported. 

The 28-year-old forward passed a medical on Tuesday ahead of what is believed to be a £6m transfer. Gestede had arrived at Aston Villa from Blackburn Rovers for a similar fee back in 2015.

The new player of Aitor Karanka's side scored four goals in 19 appearances with Aston Villa in the Championship. He had totaled five goals in 24 appearances for the Birmingham side last season, when they were relegated from the Premier League.

Gestede is to wear the No 29 shirt for Middlesbrough and could make his debut on 14 January when his new team travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford.