Wednesday 28 January 2015 20:43, UK
Adam Forshaw has completed his transfer from Wigan to Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
The midfielder made just 18 appearances for Wigan following his arrival from Brentford on transfer deadline-day in September but, according to Malky Mackay, Boro's bid was too good to turn down.
The Wigan manager said: "A surprise bid came in for Adam, and it was a very good one that we felt was acceptable to us. He said he wanted to talk to them and that being the case, we gave him permission to talk to them.
"I can only say that in the short time we worked together I found him to be a terrific professional but for one reason or another it’s not worked out here and we wish him the very best of luck at Middlesbrough."
Forshaw has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Boro, who are currently one point off the Championship's automatic promotion places.
He said: "I was up for the challenge of coming to Middlesbrough. I know how big the club is. There's a good manager and a good set of players.
"Watching them from afar their style of play is good, it's something I wanted to be a part of, and I didn't need convincing."
Boro boss Aitor Karanka said: "He's just the type of player I want here. He fits the profile of the players we want at the club. He's a good lad and he's a good player. It's important to bring in players who know the league and Adam fits that."
Forshaw will not be eligible for next month's FA Cup tie at Arsenal having featured against Bolton in the third round.
