Middlesbrough set to beat Derby County to transfer - £3.5m deal agreed | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are on the verge of an agreement with Blackburn Rovers

Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers.

According to Pete O’Rourke, Boro are on the verge of an agreement worth up to £3.5 million with the Lancashire outfit for the defender.

Brittain’s future had been the subject of speculation through the summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.

The full-back featured 33 times in the Championship in the previous campaign, contributing two goals and five assists as Blackburn finished seventh in the table.

Middlesbrough close in on Callum Brittain deal

Middlesbrough are set to win the race to Brittain’s signature from Blackburn after the two clubs made a breakthrough in negotiations.

It has been claimed that Boro are closing in on an agreement for a package worth up to £3.5 million to sign the defender this summer.

It was reported earlier in the transfer market that Derby County and Wrexham were also interested in the 27-year-old.

However, it’s understood Boro have now taken a significant edge over their Championship rivals with this agreement with Blackburn.

But it remains to be seen how much of the fee will be paid up front, with it being claimed the package will total to £3.5 million.

Brittain joined Rovers from Barnsley in the 2022 summer transfer window, and has been a key figure for the club in that time, making 104 league appearances in three seasons.

Middlesbrough’s summer business

Middlesbrough appointed Rob Edwards as manager earlier in the summer, and the ex-Luton Town boss will be keen to make his mark on the squad.

The Teesside outfit have already added Abdoulaye Kanté and Alfie Jones to the team ahead of the new campaign.

Brittain could become their third signing of the market, with the new season set to get underway in just over a week.

Middlesbrough will begin the new term with a home clash against Swansea City on 9 August.

Callum Brittain deal looks like great business

Brittain has proven himself as a standout talent at a Championship level, becoming a key part of Blackburn’s team in the last few years.

He contributed two goals and five assists last season, showing he could be well suited to playing in Edwards’ system as a wing-back.

For a package worth £3.5 million, this could prove a very smart piece of business if the player can maintain his strong form from last season.

It will be a big blow for Blackburn to lose such a figure in their squad, especially as it will be tough to find an adequate replacement with such a low figure coming in the other direction.