Middlesbrough transfer rumours: Leicester defender set for move plus former academy player completes £25million switch from Norwich

Boro are still targeting a few more signings before the second deadline, with Manchester City playmaker Patrick Roberts set to return to the Riverside on loan.

The Teessiders have also been looking at other centre-back options, while there could still be outgoings in the next few weeks.

Here are some of the latest transfer stories concerning Boro and other Championship clubs.

Former target set for another move

Leicester defender Filip Benkovic was a player on Boro’s radar back in January but was loaned out to Bristol City instead.

Yet the 23-year-old is still some way down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium and looks set for another loan move, probably back to the Championship.

When asked about the player, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers said: ”Filip needs game-time, but of course it’s just waiting to see if there’s an opportunity for him to do that.

“He’s training very well. It’s just going to be really about getting some experience and playing under pressure. We’ll wait to see if anything comes in for him.”

Blackburn awaiting goalkeeper confirmation

At one stage in this window Blackburn had reportedly made an offer for Boro keeper Aynsley Pears.

Rovers brought in stopper Thomas Kaminski back in August but wanted competition between the sticks.

Yet it seems Pears, who now looks like he’s third choice at Boro, is no longer an option, following attempts from Blackburn to sign Greek Under-21 international Antonis Stergiakis from Bulgarian side Slavia Sofia

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Rovers managed to get the necessary paperwork completed last night and the transfer could still be announced today.

Former Boro academy player joins Everton

Finally, defender Ben Godfrey completed a £25million move from Norwich City to Everton yesterday on a five-year contract.

Yet not many people will know the 22-year-old was actually on Boro’s books between 2011 and 2012, but was released from the academy after just one year.

Godfrey went on to play for York City before signing for Norwich in 2016.

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