Turnbull made his debut for Middlesbrough in May 2006

Chelsea have boosted their squad's goalkeeping strength by signing Middlesbrough keeper Ross Turnbull.

The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal after joining on a free transfer.

Along with the 33-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper Hilario, Turnbull will act as an understudy to the club's first-choice keeper Petr Cech.

While Turnbull finalised his move to London, Hilario has signed a new two-year contract with the Blues, a deal that runs until 2011.

Turnbull made his debut for Boro in May 2006 in the 1-1 draw against Bolton, going on to make 29 appearances for the club.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Turnbull's transfer

During his time with Boro, Turnbull went out on loan to Darlington, Barnsley, Bradford, Crewe and Cardiff.

His chance to stake a claim for a regular place came after Mark Schwarzer's move to Fulham last summer, but Turnbull was eventually displaced by Brad Jones.

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