Middlesbrough FC advancing in shock Birmingham City, Ajax transfer hijack | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are reportedly hoping to hijack Birmingham City's move for Ajax striker Chuba Akpom.

Middlesbrough are reportedly in advanted talks to re-sign Chuba Akpom from Ajax as they look to hijack Birmingham City's move for the striker.

That's according to The Northern Echo, who claim that Middlesbrough have put together an "attractive deal" as they attempt to convince Akpom to snub Birmingham's advances and make a shock return to the Riverside Stadium.

It had looked as though Akpom was heading to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, and Sky Sports reported on Sunday morning that the newly-promoted Blues were closing in on a season-long loan deal for the striker, with an obligation to buy if they were promoted to the Premier League.

It was even claimed that Akpom was due to fly to the Midlands today to complete his medical with Birmingham and finalise the paperwork on the deal, but in a surprise twist, it seems Boro have now entered the race for his signature.

Akpom scored a stunning 29 goals in 42 games as Boro reached the Championship play-offs under Michael Carrick in the 2022-23 season before departing for Ajax in a deal worth up to £12.2 million, but he could now be on his way back to Teesside.