Middlesbrough dealt another transfer blow as concerns grow over lack of options

The 25-year-old centre-back has attracted plenty of interest after helping Northampton win promotion to League One last season, but The Cobblers have stood firm with their valuation of around £1million.

Boro are said to have made multiple offers for Goode, while QPR were also heavily linked with the 6’5 centre-back.

Yet it was Brentford who managed to land the player after meeting Northampton’s asking price and offering Goode a four-year contract, with the option of a further year, at Griffin Park.

Bees boss Thomas Frank said: “I’d like to welcome Charlie to the Club. Charlie is a player I really like; he is an aggressive defender and a big aerial threat in both boxes, which is a big thing for us.

"He has good quality on the ball which we feel we can develop further within our style of play."

Despite the arrival of Grant Hall, Boro remain short of options at the back following George Friend’s move to Birmingham last week.

Dael Fry is Boro’s only other centre-back with significant Championship experience, following the departures of Daniel Ayala and Ryan Shotton and loanee Harold Moukoudi.

The Teessiders have a list of several targets in different positions but have found negotiations tricky in an unpredictable transfer market.

Boro were also interested in former Wigan striker Kieffer Moore before the frontman moved to Cardiff last week.

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