Middlesbrough FC news and transfer rumours: Striker blow, reported target moves elsewhere plus playmaker's message to Sunderland fans

Boro’s interest in Moore has been well documented over the last few weeks, yet Championship rivals Cardiff City always looked the most likely to sign him.

And it’s now believed the 28-year-old will undergo a medical in South Wales after a fee of around £2million was accepted by the Latics.

Boro have been tracking other striker targets and were linked with former Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet earlier this week.

The 28-year-old was a free agent after leaving Bloomfield Road at the end of last season but has surprisingly joined Turkish second division club Altay SK.

Championship clubs Derby and Stoke had also been credited with interest in the frontman who scored 18 goals in 36 appearances for The Tangerines last season.

Another man who has reportedly been on Boro’s radar is playmaker Marcus Maddison, who remains a free agent after his contract at Peterborough expired in July.

The Teessiders were said to be interested in the 26-year-old back in January, yet Maddison instead joined Championship rivals Hull City on loan.

It’s a move which simply didn’t work out as the Tigers were relegated from the second tier after a disastrous second half of the campaign.

Yet Maddison’s impressive form for Peterborough in the first half of last season certainly raised the player’s profile, particularly among Sunderland fans.

After scoring twice against the Black Cats in August last year, Maddison has been receiving messages from Sunderland supporters asking him to join the Wearsiders.

In response to those messages, Maddison posted on social media: "Sunderland fans I love the messages, really do appreciate them, but I’ve had no contact from SAFC or any other club for that matter. Most unwanted man in football."

Finally, Boro have confirmed they will head to Cornwall on Monday, August 24 for a pre-season training camp.

A warm-up match against Plymouth is the only confirmed fixture so far, yet Neil Warnock is hopeful the club can arrange more friendlies before the season starts on September 12.

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