CHAMPIONSHIP side Middlesbrough have signed Jack Stephens on a season-long loan from Southampton.

The 21-year-old central defender, who spent last season on loan at Swindon Town, began his career with Plymouth Argyle before joining the Saints in 2011.

The England Under 18, 19 and 20 international made 42 appearances for Town last season, helping the Robins to the League One play-off final, having made 10 appearances for the County Ground side at the end of the previous season.