Peterborough United have completed the permanent signing of defender Christian Burgess from Middlesbrough .
Burgess, who initially joined Posh on loan this week and made his debut on Tuesday night as Darren Ferguson's side lost 2-1 at home to Sheffield United, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
"I am pleased to sign Christian," Peterborough boss Ferguson told the club's official website.
"It is a good piece of business from the football club. He is player that has been on the radar for a little while and he will bring competition to the centre-back positions and with Gabi (Zakuani) and Jack (Baldwin) injured, it is a good time to bring him in.
"I felt he did well when he came on in difficult circumstances on Tuesday evening and he will benefit with a few days training with his new team-mates."
Burgess, 22, spent the whole of last season on loan with League Two side Hartlepool, where he partnered curren t Posh defender Baldwin at centre-back.