Middlesbrough set to beat Watford FC to 7-figure Chelsea transfer coup | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have won the race for Leo Castledine following significant Championship interest in the 20-year-old.

Middlesbrough have won the race for Chelsea's Leo Castledine following a significant transfer battle between several Championship clubs.

While The Sun reported that Watford were part of the chase for the attacking midfielder, it is Boro who will land the 20-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The London-born talent has spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Huddersfield Town in League One, scoring 10 goals and registering two assists in 23 appearances under the guidance of former EFL goalkeeper Lee Grant.

The Hornets were keen on raiding Stamford Bridge for Castledine's services, yet it is Middlesbrough who have agreed a permanent deal for the England under-19 international.

Middlesbrough set to claim victory in £2m deal for Leo Castledine

Romano has stated that the midfielder will have his medical at the Riverside Stadium soon, and he will be a very important signing for Kim Hellberg as he looks to take Boro back to the Premier League with his side currently sat second in the Championship.

There is an 'important' sell-on fee involved in the deal, as Chelsea prepare for their first game under new manager Liam Rosenior at the weekend in the FA Cup third round against Charlton Athletic.

Romano has also reported that the Castledine will make the move to Teesside following weeks of interest from clubs in the second tier, with a fee of £2 million agreed between the two clubs, with Chelsea retaining a healthy sell-on clause to make sure they have a vested interest in his future development.

The 20-year-old made his final appearance for Huddersfield on Sunday in a 2-2 draw at home to Exeter City, picking up an assist in the game. The result left the Terriers in fifth place, and they will now be searching for an ample replacement for the talented youngster.

Leo Castledine will bring plenty of creativity and goals to Middlesbrough

Castledine led the way in League One in the attacking midfield position in goals, xG and shots on target. He also proved a handful for defenders, winning 31 fouls during his time in Yorkshire.

60 of his 697 touches came inside the opposition box, showing his positivity and this advanced positioning will be of huge interest to Middlesbrough, who struggled to unlock their opponents over the festive period.

At just 20, there is plenty of time for the soon-to-be former Chelsea starlet to develop and with the likes of Hayden Hackney, Aidan Morris and Sverre Nypan to help show him the way in the Championship, Castledine could be a huge success on Teesside.

He scored eight goals in his last 10 appearances for Huddersfield, and with his confidence, he will be hoping to reach those levels once again once his move to Middlesbrough is completed.

Boro face Fulham in the FA Cup third round at Craven Cottage on Saturday, and while this game may come too soon for Castledine to make his debut, a trip to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion awaits Middlesbrough on January 16.