Out-of-contract former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has made a return to English football after signing with Championship side Middlesbrough.

Reports from England the Super Eagles skipper underwent a medical at the club on Tuesday and has agreed personal terms with the club.

Mikel, 31, joined Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA on a free on 6 January 2017, leaving the Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the League Cup during his 11-year spell.

Mikel made 249 Premier League appearances for Chelsea and was part of the team that beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in 2012.

Boro are fifth in the Championship, six points behind second-placed Norwich City.

Mikel is expected to aid Tony Pulis tutored side who are pushing for promotion.

Mikel had previously attracted interest from European sides Roma and Wolfsburg but was set on returning to England to be closer to his family.

Middlesbrough face Newport in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.