Dan Barlaser leaves Rotherham United for Middlesbrough

The fee is thought to be around £900,000 with potential add-ons.

The 26-year-old, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, watched Boro beat Watford 2-0 from the directors' box at the Riverside Stadium yesterday.

The Tessiders' boss, Michael Carrick said after the victory that lifted his side to third place: "I’m looking forward to working with him and trying to help him improve. He’s delighted to have the opportunity to come and learn and be part of the team.

"I’ve said before that we’re really specific about what we’re after in certain positions. It’s not just about taking a good player because they’re a good player. There’s more behind it than that.

“I’ve known of him for a while. There are certain styles of players that catch your eye and you can understand what they can bring. He’s always one that I’ve had an eye on.

“It comes down to the character and attitude and what they can bring to the group. He fits."

Barlaser, a league ever-present for the Millers this season, boasts some of the best statistics in the division for attack-orientated contributions such as chances created and forward passes completed.

He is joint-top of the Championship assists chart, with seven, alongside new Middlesbrough teammate and former Rotherham loanee  Ryan Giles.

Boro had bid for Barlaser earlier in the transfer window but not at a level that had tempted Rotherham to sell. A bigger offer earlier this week sealed the deal.

The loan arrival at AESSEAL New York Stadium of West Ham United midfielder Conor Coventry meant the Millers felt able cash in one of their top performers who would have been able to leave for free in the summer at the end of his contract.

The player was keen on the move which significantly increases his wages, gives him the prospect of Premier League football and allows him to move nearer to his family in Gateshead.

Following a successful loan spell, Barlaser was bought by Rotherham in 2020 from Newcastle United who had a 40 per cent sell-on clause inserted in the contract. There is some confusion as to whether that remains active.

The midfielder, who won two League promotions during his time in South Yorkshire, made more than 150 appearances for the Millers and was a huge favourite with fans who nicknamed him 'The Geordie Pirlo'.