Town boss Kieran McKenna confirmed Middlesbrough’s interest in signing loan centre-half George Edmundson on a permanent basis but isn’t sure where things currently stand regarding the proposed move.

The 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of June, joined Boro on loan in the summer window and has impressed for the Championship’s fifth-placed side, making 20 starts and scoring once.

Edmundson’s performances for Michael Carrick’s side have also caught the eye of a number of other Championship teams but the defender cannot play for a third club this season, having featured as a brief sub for the Blues away against his hometown club Manchester City in August.

Boro are keen to head off any potential summer interest from elsewhere by trying to make his loan move permanent during this window.

As reported yesterday, the Blues have turned down an offer of £350,000 up front plus £350,000 if the Teessiders are promoted with more cash potentially due later on down the line, however, talks are continuing.

“I don't think there's anything to announce,” McKenna said when asked about the situation. “I believe there is interest there. I think there are some discussions going on that I've not been involved in.

“He’s having a good season, which is great to see. Middlesbrough are having another good season and I think there's some interest on that side, so whether a deal is possible to be done I'm not sure.”

The ex-Oldham defender joined Town for around £1 million from Rangers in the summer of 2021, signing a four-year deal.

Photo: Matchday Images

Linkboy13 added 16:50 - Jan 15 Good player at championship level a good allround defender and technically useful on the ground. Had his injury problems at Portman road otherwise would have been first choice in the centre of defence. Got to admire him for wanting away so he can play games instead of just picking up the money.
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Monkey_Blue added 17:07 - Jan 15 When I read £700k I thought they were cheap skating us but I missed that he was out of contract in June. Sounds reasonable if they jus give us a straight £700k
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flykickingbybgunn added 17:47 - Jan 15 Agree. That seems like good money for him. But more than that do right by Fridge.
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Tractor_Boy_in_HK added 03:19 - Jan 16 We have no leverage. He's out of contract in the summer and we can't recall and sell him to another team because he played a few minutes for us against Man City. So we either sell him to Boro now or lose him for nothing in the summer. We really need to do right by George and let him sign a long term contract with Boro now.
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