MIDDLESBROUGH have sanctioned the permanent exit of Calum Kavanagh, who has joined Bradford City for an undisclosed fee.

Kavanagh has a prolific record in the Boro youth ranks, has scored more than 20 goals since stepping up to the Under-21s and is the club's top scorer at that level this season.

Despite that goal record, Kavanagh has only played six minutes of Championship action for Boro, with late two appearances from the bench this season.

His contract was due to expire at the end of next term and Boro felt the opportunity for the youngster to kick-start his career with a permanent move was the best course of action rather than the striker struggling for first team opportunities at the Riverside.

Boro are continuing their efforts to sign a striker ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.

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Kavanagh, the son of former Boro midfielder Graham, was linked with Arsenal and Chelsea in 2020 when he was building a reputation as a prolific striker in the youth ranks. His first team debut for Boro didn't come until earlier this season when he came off the bench in the Carabao Cup win at Port Vale.

"It feels brilliant to be here. It is a huge club with huge ambitions, and this is a new chapter in my career that I am really looking forward to," said Kavanagh after completing the Bradford switch and signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the Bantams.

"I met the manager and we had a conversation, and as soon as we had spoken I knew this was the place for me. This is what I need at this stage of my career, and this club gives me a platform to progress as a player and hopefully achieve promotion.

"I would say I am an energetic player who likes to press, get in behind players and get in people's faces and ultimately score goals. I am here to win games. 

"I am looking forward to getting on the grass and showing what I am about, doing really well in this league and for this club. I cannot wait to meet the fans and pull the jersey on."

Bradford Graham Alexander said: "Calum is a player who will bring pace and energy to our forward line, and obviously a goal threat.

"We feel he is at the stage now where he wants his career to kick-off. He is hungry to be successful, and I believe he will get the chance, here."