United have completed the capture of Middlesbrough winger Mark Yeates, who put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

He will wear the number 11 shirt at the Lane, although he is not available for Saturday's FA Cup encounter at Bolton Wanderers as he is cup-tied, having played in Middlesbrough's third round defeat by Manchester City.

Kevin Blackwell commented: "He's a player we have looked at before, I've had my eye on him for a year or two but we couldn't agree terms with Colchester. I'm delighted to finally get my man, although I was surprised that Boro would let him go."

Yeates began his career at Tottenham, but first played professional football during loan spells with Brighton & Hove Albion and Swindon Town in the 2003-04 season.

The 25-year-old winger made just three appearances for Spurs, before joining Colchester United on a season-long loan in 2005-06. Yeates scored five goals and helped the U's win promotion from League One.

The Irishman then signed a two-year contract extension at White Hart Lane prior to the 2006-07 campaign, but endured frustrating temporary stints at Hull City and Leicester City, before joining Colchester on a full-time basis.

Following two successful campaigns with the then Layer Road based outfit, Yeates joined Middlesbrough last summer for an undisclosed fee, making his debut against the Blades in the first game of the current campaign.

He scored for the Teessiders in the 5-1 demolition of QPR in December and last featured against Manchester City earlier this month.

Mark Yeates is pictured signing his deal with Chief Executive, Trevor Birch and Manager, Kevin Blackwell.