MIDDLESBROUGH want Chelsea starlet Lewis Baker to replace Marten de Roon in their midfield.
The England Under-21s international is set to be loaned out again by Antonio Conte and Boro are leading the race for the 22-year-old’s signature.
And Garry Monk is closing in on capturing the ace on a two-year deal.
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As SunSport reported earlier, Dutchman De Roon has rejoined Atalanta following Boro’s relegation.
After passing a medical he completed his £11.7million switch this afternoon.
That leaves the Teessiders short in the middle of the park and they want Baker to fill that void.
He has been at Stamford Bridge since 2005 but has only made one appearance for the club.
That came more than three years ago in an FA Cup third round tie.
Since then he has been sent out for spells with Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons.
And Baker has spent the last two campaigns in Holland with Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem.
He enjoyed his best season so far last time out as he bagged 15 goals and helped them to win the Dutch Cup for the first time.
His capture would be another significant signing for the Teessiders since Monk’s arrival.
They broke their transfer record to bring in Britt Assombalonga and have also added Darren Randolph, Ashley Fletcher, Martin Braithwaite, Cyrus Christie and Jonny Howson.
Boro hope to tie-up the move before Saturday Championship home clash against Sheffield United.
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