Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Newcastle assessing reported Boro and Rangers target plus interesting Ben Gibson claim amid Norwich City and Nottingham Forest interest

With less than two weeks to go until the start of Middlesbrough’s 2020/21 campaign, manager Neil Warnock is still looking to significantly strengthen in the transfer market.
Jacob Murphy scored nine Championship goals while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season.Jacob Murphy scored nine Championship goals while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Jacob Murphy scored nine Championship goals while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season.

The Boro boss said earlier this week he’s still hopeful of making more additions before his side’s Carabao Cup clash with Shrewsbury on Friday, September 4, yet negotiations are proving tricky.

Warnock wants to improve the spine of his side but is also aware there is a lack of natural wingers in the squad.

Newcastle assessing winger situation

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One player who has been linked with a loan move to the Riverside recently is Newcastle wideman Jacob Murphy.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday but will face an uphill battle to break into the Magpies’ first team, especially with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron ahead of him.

Rangers are also said to be interested in Murphy, and Newcastle boss Steve Bruce says he’ll assess the situation in the coming weeks.

“Jacob has trained with us,” said Bruce. “He’s probably thinking he’s not had a fair of the whip, and certainly I haven’t seen a great deal of him. It’ll be interesting to see how he does for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Certainly, he had a really good spell at Sheffield Wednesday last year. They think the world of him. He did very, very well, and would like him back.

"I’m just going to take my time with him and have a look and see what the next step is for him, because he has had a successful loan in the Championship last year.”

Ben Gibson to Boro still possible?

Boro are also in the market for another centre-back, and it’s no secret they are keen to re-sign former captain Ben Gibson from Burnley.

The 27-year-old wants to leave Turf Moor to play regular first-team football again but still has two years left on his contract.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yet even a loan move back to the Riverside would require the Clarets to pay a significant part of the defender’s wages in the Championship.

Boro’s Championship rivals Norwich have been credited with interest in Gibson, while it’s also been claimed Burnley will offer the player to Nottingham Forest as part of a swap deal for fellow centre-back Joe Worrall.

Yet according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Forest are demanding £10million for Worrall which is putting them off at this stage.

He goes on to say that ‘Gibson and Boro return on loan still looks favourite.’

Cardiff defender linked

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another name which has emerged over the last few days is that of Cardiff defender Sol Bamba.

According to TeamTalk, Warnock wants to raid his old club to sign the 35-year-old who has struggled with injuries over the last 18 months.

It’s been claimed Boro will approach Cardiff about a deal for Bamba who they hope will be available for a nominal fee.

The Teessiders are short of options when it comes to centre-backs following the departures of George Friend, Daniel Ayala and Ryan Shotton in recent months.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.