MARVIN Johnson's protracted departure from Oxford United has been completed with the winger joining Middlesbrough on a three-year deal.

The 26-year-old departs for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £2.5million.

While his former club Motherwell are understood to have a sell-on clause taking 25 per cent of the fee, the deal will also contain add-ons which will benefit United if Johnson performs.

The agreement brings to an end weeks of speculation over the former Kidderminster Harriers attacker, who joined the U's on deadline day last August.

United have insisted only an "unbelievable offer" would change their stance that he was not for sale.

They turned down a bid of about £1m from Hull City earlier this month.

But in the last fortnight it has become increasingly clear Johnson had decided he wanted to leave.

He has not played for more than a fortnight, initially claiming a hamstring injury.

Even though boss Pep Clotet reported last week Johnson had returned to training, he has missed two games since.

It meant United were unable to fill their bench for Tuesday’s 6-2 win at Stevenage.

With the move completed, it is expected a replacement will be signed before tonight's 11pm deadline.