Middlesbrough FC and Bristol City plotting Aston Villa transfer raid | OneFootball

Finley Munroe is currently on loan with Swindon Town but could be set for a Championship switch this month

Bristol City and Middlesbrough have both made offers to sign Finley Munroe from Aston Villa this January.

According to the BBC, the Robins have made a bid worth £350,000 for the defender, with Boro also including a sell-on clause in their attempt to sign the player.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan with Swindon Town, where he has proven a key figure for the League Two side.

The left-back has contributed two goals and six assists from 23 appearances in the fourth division, standing out as a key figure amid their push for promotion this term under Ian Holloway.

Munroe joined Aston Villa’s academy system in 2021 by making the switch from Chelsea, and he also enjoyed a spell on loan with Real Unión in Spain last season.

Middlesbrough and Bristol City bid for Aston Villa's Finley Munroe

It’s believed that Munroe is set to be recalled from Swindon amid interest in a permanent move for the player this month.

It’s understood that Bristol City’s £350,000 offer is similar to what has been bid by Middlesbrough at this stage.

A move to either club could be completed as early as this week, although it remains unclear which side is leading the race to his signature at the moment.

This comes after Football League World exclusively revealed attention from Championship sides in Munroe's performances for Swindon all the way back in October, with Preston North End and League One strugglers Leyton Orient having both been linked as of late.

The Robins are hoping to strengthen Gerhard Struber’s side for the remainder of the campaign, as they eye another top six finish in the Championship.

However, Middlesbrough find themselves in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Struber’s side are 10th in the table, two points adrift of the top six after 26 games played, while Boro are second and two clear of Ipswich Town in third, albeit both teams have played a fixture more than some of their rivals.

Munroe has until 2 February to complete any permanent move away from Aston Villa before the winter market shuts.

Middlesbrough offer will be tempting for Aston Villa's Finley Munroe

Matt Targett has been a key figure for Middlesbrough at left-back this season, but his future is uncertain due to a recall clause in his contract after arriving on loan in the summer.

Munroe could be his replacement, should he return to Newcastle at some point this month, as his competition would otherwise be Alex Bangura or Lukas Engel, who are both out of favour, provided the club feel he can make the step up to the second tier.

Given Hellberg’s side are also competing for Premier League football, this could be a really tempting offer.

The Teesside outfit’s bid also including a sell-on clause will make this a very appealing option for Villa, as those clauses have proven quite lucrative elsewhere, so that could give them the edge on Bristol City.