Middlesbrough set to beat Leeds and Aston Villa to international midfielder - reports

The Teesside Gazette have claimed that Saville, whom Middlesbrough were keen to bring in on a permanent basis earlier this summer, could still make the move to the Riverside Stadium.

Boro's interest in the Northern Irish international is never thought to have faded and they are now hopeful of sealing a loan-to-buy deal.

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Tony Pulis has been keen to add more depth to his squad but had grown frustrated at a lack of progress in recent weeks - but any deal for Saville would provide a welcome boost for the Middlesbrough manager.

This deal may not be the end of Pulis' activity, either, with the former West Brom boss eyeing a replacement for Adama Traore after his move to Wolves.

Saville is unlikely to fill that gap, but will provide more competition and depth in Middlesbrough's engine room.

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Comfortable playing in a variety of midfield roles, the 25-year-old has excelled as a box-to-box player at the Den - while he has also been used in a more advanced role on occasion.

He comes with good pedigree having previously represented Chelsea and Wolves - while Savile has also racked up five caps for Northern Ireland.

Reports suggest that the deal to bring the Milwall man to Teesside will include an option to buy for £5million rather than an obligatory purchase clause.

Aston Villa and Leeds were also linked with a move for Saville earlier this summer, but Boro now look set to win the race for the in-demand star.