Jonathan Woodgate provides updates on Darren Randolph, Britt Assombalonga and Daniel Ayala ahead of Derby clash
Jonathan Woodgate has admitted goalkeeper Darren Randolph is close to leaving Middlesbrough.
The Republic of Ireland international looks set to re-join West Ham this week, and when asked about the stopper ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Derby, Woodgate said: “He's in negotiations with a Premier League team."
The Boro boss also said that top scorer Britt Assombalonga could return for next week’s meeting with Fulham, with the striker still recovering from an ankle injury.
Assombalonga has been linked with a move to Aston Villa this week, yet Woodgate said he hasn’t been made aware of any interest.
Boro will also be without centre-back Daniel Ayala for their game against Derby after the Spanish centre-back suffered an ankle injury against Preston on New Year’s Day.
“We’re looking at maybe Monday for a second view on what timescale we have,” said Woodgate when asked about Ayala. “I’ll know more then. It’s hopefully not too bad.”