Midfielder Grant Leadbitter has committed himself to Middlesbrough by signing a new three-and-a-half-year deal at the Riverside Stadium.
The 28-year-old has played a pivotal part in Boro's Sky Bet Championship season so far which sees the club sitting in fifth place and has captained the side in the absence of Jonathan Woodgate.Leadbitter, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, follows Ben Gibson, George Friend, and Adam Reach in penning new long-term contracts at the club.
Head coach Aitor Karanka told the club's official website: " I'm very pleased Grant has signed his new contract.
"He is a very important player for the team but he is also someone who is finishing his contract and can have offers from other clubs. So it is great news that he has decided to stay with us.
"He believes in the project at the club and that is something I want to see from my players. Grant is a very good example to everyone as a professional."