FORMER Swindon Town loanee Alex Gilbert has signed for Middlesbrough in a deal believed to be worth around £1million.

The 21-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Riverside after leaving Brentford at the end of his contract and having turned down the offer of fresh terms by the Bees.

Gilbert moved to Wiltshire on a season-long loan from Brentford's B team on deadline day in the summer of 2021, but the Republic of Ireland youth international featured just 12 times for Swindon in all competitions.

Five of his eight League Two appearances were starts while he was named in the initial XI for three of Town's four EFL Trophy fixtures that season.

But after no goals and two assists in his dozen outings, Town decided to end Gilbert's loan spell early and he was sent back to west London in January. His final Swindon appearance was as a late substitute in a 2-0 defeat away to Barrow.

Gilbert has remained with Brentford B since his loan to Swindon ended, becoming their top scorer as the Bees lifted the Premier League Cup in 2022/23.

The versatile forward scored 16 goals and claimed eight assists as he was named Brentford B's Player of the Year last term.

Despite that good form, he later turned down a new contract with the Premier League club, opting to sign for Middlesbrough despite reported top-flight interest.

While he joins Boro as a free agent, his age means the Bees will be due a compensation payment which is likely to be around £1million.

After the move was announced, Gilbert left a message on his Twitter page which read: "After being at Brentford for three years, I have decided to part ways and seek the next part of my journey.

"A big thank you [for] all the support from the fans that followed me throughout the seasons.

"Unfortunately - for whatever reason - it wasn't meant to be, but I have made some great memories and met some great people that I will always call my friend.

"I want to say a massive thank you to all the B-team staff for everything they have done for me. I would not be where I am now without them, so thank you. I also want to thank all the players for their support over the years.

"I wish everyone at Brentford the best of luck for the season and for the future, I've no doubt our paths will cross again. Thank you, Brentford."