Middlesbrough have signed defensive midfielder Abdoulaye Kante on a five-year contract from French second-tier side Troyes.

The 20-year-old moves to the Riverside Stadium for an undisclosed fee and becomes new boss Rob Edwards’ second signing of the summer, after defender Alfie Jones joined on a four-year deal from Hull City.

Kante, who has played for Ivory Coast at Under-23 level, has scored once in 47 Ligue 2 appearances since joining Troyes in 2022.

Boro wil get the new Championship season under way against Swansea City on 9 August.