Arsenal hopeful of financial boost, Blackburn still interested in Aynsley Pears plus Mayor supports Bournemouth fan pilot: Middlesbrough news and transfer rumours

The 24-year-old, who joined Greek club PAOK in 2018, is said to be the No.1 transfer target who Boro boss Neil Warnock was talking about earlier this week, with news outlets in Greece claiming a fee of around £2.8million had been agreed.

Akpom led the line during PAOK’s surprise 2-1 Champions League win over Benfica on Tuesday, yet the club seem prepared to let him leave.

It’s since been reported Akpom wants to return to England and that Arsenal could pocket around £1million due to a 40 per cent sell-on clause.

Blackburn still interested in Aynsley Pears

At the other end of the pitch, there are still question marks regarding the future of Boro keeper Aynsley Pears.

It was claimed over the weekend that Blackburn had seen a 200k offer rejected for the 22-year-old who has just one year left on his contract at the Riverside.

Rovers have made two new signings since the end of last season after signing goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski and former Boro defender Daniel Ayala.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn are still interested in Pears, after keeper Christian Walton returned to parent club Brighton, yet a new left-back is the club’s priority.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray said on Thursday the club are close to a breakthrough with one deal but wouldn't be drawn on the player’s identity.

Mayor and Council support fan pilot

Finally, Mayor Andy Preston and Chief Executive Tony Parkinson have said that Middlesbrough Council is happy to support this weekend’s ‘return of fans’ pilot programme.

Middlesbrough’s game against Bournemouth at the Riverside will be allowed to host 1,000 supporters, while eight other EFL games will do the same.

Mayor Preston said: "This is a government-endorsed trial that senior officials at the football club are keen to do. The Council is working with the club and other authorities to make sure it's super-safe for fans to return in very small numbers.

"Between the fire service, police, Council and football club, there is a consensus that this can be done safely.

"Of course, we do require the cooperation from all those who attend the game, but the club has produced a detailed set of procedures that we believe means a very small crowd can be managed safely.

"Nobody takes the threat of Covid more seriously than I do, but I want Middlesbrough to show the rest of the country that we can put processes in place that set the standards for others to follow."

Those attending the game have been advised not to use public transport or share cars, while the club has published guidelines that must be followed in and around the stadium.

Parkinson said: "We'd advise those travelling to the game to use a car wherever possible, as there will be plenty of free parking available at the stadium, though we do advise against sharing cars if possible.

"I know it's a tradition to go for supporters to enjoy a pre-match or post-match drink, but we would naturally advise everyone to act responsibly and follow Covid rules and guidelines.”

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