Middlesbrough have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to bring West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph to the Riverside Stadium. 

The club's website claims that a 'deal in principle' has been reached for the transfer of the 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international stopper, subject to a medical and personal terms.

The former Birmingham City 'keeper is set to travel to Boro's Rockliffe training ground today to iron out the finer points of his move to the recently-relegated North East side.

Following the arrival of England number 1 Joe Hart at the London Stadium, it always looked likely, if not inevitable, that Slaven Bilic would have to offload one of his other two experienced goalkeepers, Randolph or goalkeeping rival Adrian San Miguel.

With just one season until the World Cup, for which the Republic of Ireland have a realistic chance of qualifying, Randolph's international hopes would have taken a hit if he spent a season on the bench.

Therefore, Boro boss Garry Monk has swooped, bringing in experience between the sticks following the departures of Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan.

Young English goalkeeper Connor Ripley and experienced Greek stopper Dimi Konstantopoulos might have hoped to get the nod from the former Swansea City manager but Monk has clearly decided that an upgrade was needed.

Randolph made 28 Premier League appearances for West Ham following his arrival in 2015 and has 21 caps for his country.

Boro fans - what do you make of your new arrival? Did you need an upgrade between the sticks? Let us know in the comments below...