Middlesbrough and Hull City in transfer battle to sign 24-year-old - it'd cost £0 | OneFootball

The two play-off sides have been linked with a move for Emmanuel Addai

Whilst the regular Championship season ended in dramatic fashion last weekend, it is by far the end of the road for Hull City and Middlesbrough, as the two clubs are involved in the upcoming play-off semi-finals.

Both clubs have endured remarkable and dramatic campaigns in their own right, and are preparing for the challenges that come their way from Millwall and Southampton respectively, with a place in the play-off final, the so-called 'richest game in football' awaiting the winners of both two-legged affairs on May 23rd at Wembley Stadium.

The Tigers have defied all expectations to reach the post-season lottery for the first time in a decade, when they defeated Sheffield Wednesday in North London under Steve Bruce, with Sergej Jakirovic seeing the club into the top six on the final day despite a barrage of injury issues throughout the campaign, as well as a well-documented transfer fee restriction which limited City's business to free transfers and loan deals.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, had initially spent more days in the automatic promotion places than any other side, but a slump in form throughout March and early April is what put pay to their top two hopes under Kim Hellberg, who has still enjoyed a remarkable maiden period in the Championship after replacing Rob Edwards in November under controversial circumstances.

Although the season is far from over for the North East and East Yorkshire clubs respectively, once the play-offs officially end later in the month, attention will soon turn to the summer transfer window, which opens in mid-June.

And, ahead of the first legs of their ties versus the Lions and Saints, City and the Reds are already reportedly in a transfer battle on the free agent market.

Hull City and Middlesbrough in transfer race for Emmanuel Addai

That's because, according to a report from Alan Nixon - via Patreon - which surfaced on Thursday evening, the Tigers and Boro are two sides interested in a move for Ghanaian winger, Emmanuel Addai, who is now a free agent heading into next season.

The 24-year-old, who predominantly features as a left-sided winger, has been plying his trade with Qarabağ FK of the Azerbaijan Premier League, with his current employers sat second in the table with three league matches remaining.

Last season, though, the attacker played somewhat of a key role in Qarabağ's title-winning term with four goals in 26 league games, which subsequently earned them a place in this campaign's UEFA Champions League. Addai has since faced off against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United, whilst also netting against FC Copenhagen in the second 'league phase' matchday back in October.

Nixon's report claims that he is keen on a move to England with Middlesbrough and Hull the two sides from these shores credited with interest. However, they are set to face a battle from La Liga outfit, Elche, who have reportedly put a pre-contract offer on the table for the forward.

It has also been stated that the two Championship sides are likely to see how their play-off campaigns pan out before pressing forward with their own transfer moves.

Emmanuel Addai's future could hinge on Premier League promotions for Middlesbrough or Hull City

Promotion through the play-offs would unlock huge financial bonuses for any of the four sides competing, and Middlesbrough and Hull will hope the cash windfall comes their way after both spending nine years outside the Premier League.

Having showcased his talent in the elite European competition, Addai will certainly be hoping to reach the top-flight from an individual perspective, if one of the two sides were to be promoted and pursue a low-cost move for the winger.

However, he also appears to have plenty to consider, with Elche making a move beforehand, despite the fact that their position in the Spanish top-flight is far from secure with two matches to go, as only three points separate Valencia in 12th and Deportivo Alaves in 18th, with Elche sandwiched inbetween with a two-point cushion over the latter as things stand.