Middlesbrough's busy summer transfer window looks set to continue with reports from the Gazette suggesting that the club are moving closer to bringing in a new striker.

Social media on Teesside went into meltdown on Wednesday as it was confirmed that former Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper Víctor Valdés was in talks with the newly promoted side, with reports in England and Turkey also claiming that Robin van Persie was a transfer target.

Those rumours have since been rubbished with Fenerbahçe stating that the forward is not for sale, but club chiefs are aware that the club needs attacking reinforcements and are working to bring them in.

Negredo and Babacar linked

One other big name who has been linked is former Sevilla and Manchester City striker Álvaro Negredo, with reports in Spain claiming that the club have been in contact with the Valencia forward's representatives with a view to a move.

Sevilla have been linked with taking the forward back, particularly with their star man Kévin Gameiro linked with a move elsewhere, but it is thought that their preference for a loan deal does not interest Valencia, who want to receive a sizeable transfer fee.

Álvaro Negredo boast an impressive record of 10 goals in 21 Spain appearances | Photo: Focus Images
Álvaro Negredo boast an impressive record of 10 goals in 21 Spain appearances | Photo: Focus Images

It has also been widely reported that proposed target Khouma Babacar's agent is in England for talks over a transfer, though a number of Premier League clubs are thought to be interested in the 23-year-old Fiorentina striker.

Valdes to sign

While this is little but paper talk and rumour for the time being, what has been widely confirmed is that 34-year-old keeper Valdés - who has won every trophy available to win at Barcelona - is currently on Teesside to undergo a medical.

Terms have largely been agreed between player and club, with some details soon to be finalised. Boro would like to conduct their transfer business in a swift manner having been left waiting to sign players in recent seasons, and it is hoped that he will be a Middlesbrough player before the weekend.

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About the author
Sam France
Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor at VAVEL UK, part of the VAVEL team 2014-2018.