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Middlesbrough have signed Norwich defender Daniel Ayala for fee thought to be £350,000, after a loan spell.

The Spaniard, 23, has made 12 league starts since joining Championship Boro in October, double his tally during two-and-a-half years at Carrow Road.

Ayala spent last season , external but did not play after the New Year's Day defeat by Blackburn Rovers.

He has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal, and becomes head coach Aitor Karanka's first permanent signing.

Karanka , external in November, and since then goalkeeper , external defender , external and midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah have all arrived on loan deals.