Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the capture of Mustapha Carayol from Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.
The highly-rated attacking midfielder attracted interest from several Championship clubs, following his return from injury, and the 26-year-old opted for a move to Albion.Carayol - who can also play wide - began his comeback from injury with Middlesbrough's under-21 side in a match against Albion in January at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.
Manager Chris Hughton said, "Mustapha was attracting a lot of interest from Championship clubs, both prior to his injury, and at this current point in time.
"He is someone both the club and I have been aware of for some time, so we are absolutely delighted he has opted to join us on loan for the rest of the season.
"He is an exciting, dynamic player, he is quick and direct, and he gives us a different option alongside our other attacking players.
"While he has played for Boro's under-21s, and has recovered from the injury, he is yet to feature in the Championship, so it will be a case of reintroducing him to the rigours of first-team football."
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Carayol began his career with MK Dons, and ended up at Middlesbrough in August 2012, via moves to Torquay United, Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers; he also spent time on loan with Crawley Town and Kettering Town.Since joining Middlesbrough he has started 40 senior games, with 14 sub appearances and scored 12 times. A popular figure with fans at the Riverside, a knee injury cut short his season in 2013/14.
He has recovered, following almost a year out, but with Boro performing well at the top end of the Championship, he has found it difficult to break back into Aitor Karanka's first-team plans.
Meanwhile Emmanuel Ledesma has returned to Middlesbrough, following his loan spell with Albion.
Hughton added, "We would like to thank Emmanuel for his efforts during his time with us, and wish him well for the future."
[h=3]ALBION V NORWICH
[/h] FRIDAY 3RD APRIL, KICK-OFF 3PM
[h=3]ALBION V BOURNEMOUTH
[/h] FRIDAY 10TH APRIL, KICK-OFF 7.45PM
[h=3]ALBION V HUDDERSFIELD
[/h] TUESDAY 14TH APRIL, KICK-OFF 7.45PM
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