MIDDLESBROUGH have allowed Andrew Davies to join Southampton on a three-month loan.

Davies, the former England Under-21 international, has completed the switch and a permanent £1m move to the Saints has been agreed for January.

The 22-year-old was a graduate of the Middlesbrough Academy and has made 64 appearances since making his debut against Aston Villa in 2003.

He has previously had short term spells with QPR and Derby County but has opted to leave now after losing his place to summer signing Luke Young.