Exiting midfielder Grant Leadbitter’s agent has confirmed that his player is in talks with Middlesbrough about joining them on a Bosman free transfer this summer. Boro have long been seen as favourites to sign the 26-year-old, who confirmed his Town departure at the end of last month.
Agent Chris Lomas says that while the former Sunderland man is in no rush to make a decision, but at the same time would prefer his future to be resolved relatively quickly.
Lomas, who dismissed claims that a return to his native North-East is a big factor in Leadbitter’s desire to move this summer, says talks have taken place: "We’ve had some contact with Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough are an attractive club for a player. They are a great club and Tony Mowbray is a top guy. He wants to play football the right way.
"There are quite a few clubs who are interested in Grant. He’s got good experience and he’s a very good player.”
Brighton and Hove Albion have also previously been linked with the midfielder, who joined the Blues for £2.65 million from Sunderland in the summer of 2009.
Elsewhere, Sunderland keeper Kieren Westwood, who was targeted by Town before his switch from Coventry to the Black Cats last summer, has expressed his frustration at his lack of opportunities at the Stadium of Light: "I'm 27 and sitting on the bench is not my cup of tea. It is not why I play football and it is the first time since I got into the team at Carlisle at 20 that I have experienced it.”
The Irishman has vowed to fight to win a more regular place in the first team next season but may ultimately be forced to move on in order to play first team football.