Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Boro face competition from Nottingham Forest, Norwich City and Championship rivals for targets plus goalkeeper interest

George Friend has been offered a new contract by Middlesbrough but reportedly has other options.

Players have been linked with moves to and from the Riverside over the last few days, while manager Neil Warnock is hopeful the club can make ‘three or four’ more additions before the end of August.

The Boro boss said last week that loan deals are being considered, with a handful of Premier League players interested in a move to Teesside.

One of those players is former centre-back Ben Gibson, yet a return to the Riverside will depend on parent club Burnley paying a large chunk of his wages.

Norwich have also been credited with interest in the 27-year-old and will have more financial clout due to their Premier League parachute payments.

At the other end of the pitch, Boro have identified Wigan striker Kieffer Moore as a major transfer target, yet Championship rivals Cardiff City are also pursuing the Welsh international.

According to a report from the Daily Mail over the weekend, both clubs have seen bids of around £2million accepted for Moore and the 28-year-old is now taking time to consider his options.

Warnock also said last week that players will be allowed to leave the Riverside this summer if the right offers are made.

One player who is reportedly attracting interest is goalkeeper Aynsley Pears, with Teesside Live claiming Blackburn are weighing up a move for the young shot-stopper.

Boro are said to be targeting a more experienced first-team goalkeeper which would push Pears, 22, down the pecking order.

Rovers, managed by former Boro boss Tony Mowbray, have just one senior keeper on their books and have reportedly been keeping tabs on Pears since he broke into the first team.

Finally, Boro may also face competition in their attempts to re-sign last season’s captain George Friend.

The Teessiders have offered the 32-year-old a new contract at the Riverside after his previous deal expired yet, according to Football Insider, the defender also has offers from Nottingham Forest, Swansea and Birmingham.

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