Norwich City defender Dani Ayala has completed a move to Championship club Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
Ayala agreed a three-and-a-half deal to join the Teesiders after a loan spell for Aitor Karanka's side. The 23-year-old never played a first team game under Chris Hughton at Carrow Road after moving from Liverpool in August 2011.
Ayala's loan deal expired on Thursday but Karanka was keen to make his compatriot his first permanent signing since replacing Tony Mowbray
'We're near to a deal to keep him,' he said on Thursday. 'The club is working to keep him here, and he is an important player for me. The most important thing is that the club are doing everything they can. Would it be another loan or a permanent signing? We are working on lots of options.'
Ayala made 12 starts and one substitute appearance for Boro, scoring three goals, in his loan stint. The Spaniard is also eligible for Boro's weekend Championship match against promotion-chasing Leicester.
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