MIDDLESBROUGH – Korea Republic striker Lee Dong-gook has been awarded a British work permit, clearing the way for him to complete his move to English Premier League side Middlesbrough.

The 27-year-old has signed an 18-month contract after Pohang Steelers handed him a free transfer.

Lee, who has scored 22 goals in 64 appearances for his country, has now flown back to Korea to complete the formality of obtaining a visa and is expected to be unveiled by Boro next week.

He missed last summer's World Cup finals with a cruciate ligament injury, but has impressed during a trial on Teesside.

Lee sparked something of a controversy in his own country when he joined Pohang Steelers straight from school rather than following the normal pattern of graduating from university before turning professional.

National-team boss Dick Advocaat was expected to use him prominently in Germany before injury struck.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will be delighted to have added further firepower to his squad, with Mark Viduka and Aiyegbeni Yakubu currently in rich veins of form.