Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: West Ham speculation as reported summer target snubs new deal

Goalkeeper Darren Randolph has missed the Teessiders’ last five games with a thigh injury, while recent reports have claimed Premier League side West Ham are interested in re-signing the Republic of Ireland international.

Randolph left the London Stadium to join Boro in 2017 but is approaching the final 18 months of his contract on Teesside.

The Hammers are looking for a new goalkeeper following Lukasz Fabianski’s injury setback earlier in the season, yet recent reports have suggested Randolph isn’t the only player on their radar.

It’s also been claimed Manuel Pellegrini’s side are tracking Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who is nearing the end of his loan deal with Azerbaijani club Qarabag.

The former Chelsea stopper, 32, joined Qarabag in the summer but is set to return to England on New Year’s Eve.

West Ham have also been linked with Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland as they look to strengthen their options between the sticks.

Lyle Taylor turns down new deal

Boro are also hoping to bring players in next month, especially ones who can make an impact up front.

The Teessiders are the lowest scorers in the Championship after 22 game and have netted just 19 league goals all season.

One player who was loosely linked with Boro over the summer was Charlton striker Lyle Taylor, a player who scored 21 times for the Addicks in League One last term.

The 29-year-old has been out with a knee injury for a large part of this season but recently made his long-anticipated return against Boro at the Riverside.

Yet Taylor, who has also been linked with West Brom and Rangers, is out of contract at the end of the season and Addicks boss Lee Bowyer says the forward has declined a new deal.

“Lyle has been offered a contract and he declined it,” Bowyer told South London Press.

“It’s his choice if he wants to sign it or not.

“We’ve offered him a good contract. Roland [Duchatelet] offered him what we think is a good contract.”