Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: New name linked with Boro and Norwich City plus centre-back close to move elsewhere

Boro made their first signing of the window last week when Grant Hall arrived on a free transfer, yet other deals are proving tougher.

Several names have been linked with a move to the Riverside in the last week, one of which is Northampton defender Charlie Goode.

The 25-year-old is in high demand after helping The Cobblers win promotion to League One via the play-offs, while club chairman Keith Thomas said the centre-back will be allowed to leave if the price is right.

It’s been reported Northampton want around £1million for Goode who has also been linked with Blackburn, Sunderland and QPR, as well as Boro.

And according to Football Insider, QPR are close to beating Boro to the signing of Goode, despite firm interest from the Teessiders.

Another defender who is reportedly attracting interest is Paris Saint-Germain youngster Loic Mbe Soh.

The 19-year-old centre-back is a product of the PSG academy and has made three appearances for the senior side.

Yet reports in France have claimed the Parisians will allow Soh to leave this summer while he has just one year left on his contract.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Norwich and Middlesbrough have taken information on his exit conditions from PSG.

It’s also been claimed the defender has options in Spain with recently-promoted Cadiz and relegated Mallorca reportedly keen.

Finally, former Boro defender Daniel Ayala is still looking for a new club, with Swansea a potential destination for the Spanish centre-back.

According to Wales Online, Swans boss Steve Cooper is keen to add an experienced central defender to his ranks after missing out on Championship promotion via the play-offs.

Ayala spent close to seven years at Boro before his contract expired at the end of June.

Birmingham City have also been linked with the defender following the appointment of former Boro boss Aitor Karanka, while Spanish side Leganes are also said to be keen.

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