Middlesbrough appear to have emerged as the new favourites in the race to sign Blues striker Martyn Waghorn.
The Scottish Sun claims Boro are close to completing a move for the former Rangers frontman having made a £7 million bid using the cash from Patrick Bamford's impending sale to Leeds United.
However, while Teessiders boss Tony Pulis is very keen on Waghorn, as TWTD was first to reveal a month ago, we understand their interest is yet to progress as far as reported and the 28-year-old, who scored 16 times and claimed 11 assists last season, is training with the Blues at Playford Road this morning.
Yesterday, Derby’s pursuit of Waghorn was dealt a blow when Matej Vydra’s proposed £11 million switch to Leeds broke down.
The Rams, previously the leading contenders to land the Town number nine having had a bid of £5 million rising to £8 million turned down last week and still very keen, are understood to need Vydra to move on before they can bring in Waghorn in order to stay within Financial Fair Play limits.
In addition to Boro and Derby, Sheffield United had an offer close to £5 million rebuffed a month ago, while Birmingham City, who are currently subject to a transfer embargo, have also been eyeing Waghorn and Nottingham Forest have been linked.
Waghorn’s former club Rangers would receive 10 per cent of the profit the Blues make on the switch should the South Shields-born frontman move on.