Middlesbrough have re-signed Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic on loan for the 2018-19 campaign.

Besic spent the second half of last season on loan at the Riverside Stadium, and had been strongly linked with a return to the Championship outfit during the summer window.

Boro have now confirmed the deal ahead of the loan deadline, with the Bosnia and Herzegovina international back in the second tier.

"Tony Pulis has made no secret of his admiration for the player and is delighted to secure his signature for the duration of the current season," read a statement on Boro's official website.

"The 25-year-old, who had attracted interest from a number of clubs, completed the formalities of his move on Thursday."

Besic made 15 Championship appearances for Boro in the second half of last season.