FOREST Green Rovers have signed highly rated Whitby Town forward Junior Mondal on an 18-month deal.

The former Middlesbrough youngster was on trial with the club having featured for Rovers in a Central League game against Plymouth Argyle last week.

He will be eligible to play from Wednesday, January 2 but has already joined up with his team-mates as to get familiar with the squad.

The 21-year-old had been linked with a number of Football League clubs earlier in the season including Sunderland and Scunthorpe United.

Mondal has scored eight goals for the Evo-Stik Premier Division side so far this season.

An explosive striker, Mondal joined Whitby on a dual-registration with Spennymoor Town in November 2017, before making his move to the Seasiders permanent in summer 2018, following a trial with Blackpool.

Mondal left Middlesbrough in summer 2017 despite being one of the highest-rated talents at the club after playing a part in the club’s treble-winning Under-21 side of 2014/15, following a difficult string of injuries.

Mondal will wear the number 25 shirt for Forest Green.

The signing is subject to FA and EFL approval.

More to follow.