Middlesbrough linked with shock move for ex-Newcastle and Sunderland defender - yet move seems unlikely

The 30-year-old is surplus to requirements at Spurs and wasn’t given a squad number in September after returning from a loan spell at Newcastle.

Rose, who has also played for Sunderland earlier in his career, is said to have held talks with Italian club Genoa, yet a deal is no longer possible following the end of the European transfer window.

West Ham were also interested in Rose back in January, yet talk of a move to the London Stadium, or even a return to Newcastle, has quietened.

According to Football Insider, Boro are plotting an ambitious move for Rose who may now drop down a division to play first-team football.

Signing Rose would obviously be a big coup for any Championship club given his experience and international pedigree.

Yet the 30-year-old left-back is into the final year of his contract, meaning a loan move wouldn’t appear to make much sense.

Boro are also well stocked at left-back, with Marvin Johnson, Hayden Coulson, Marc Bola all natural options, and light in other areas.

It was therefore also a surprise to see the Teessiders linked with a loan move for Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman last week.

Boro boss Neil Warnock has admitted the club have looked at signing another centre-back due to a lack of options in that position.

English clubs have until 5pm on Friday to complete their transfer business.

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