Middlesbrough beating two Championship rivals and one Premier League newcomer in race for Ryan Nyambe

TEAMtalk understands Middlesbrough are set to win the battle for former Blackburn Rovers star Ryan Nyambe.

The 24-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, is available on a free transfer after rejecting Blackburn’s offer of a new deal.

Nyambe made just shy of 200 appearances for Blackburn between 2015 and 2022. His tally included 31 outings last season between the Championship and Carabao Cup.

Largely featuring as a right-back or midfielder, the Namibia international also slotted in centrally on a couple of occasions.

Up until now, Blackburn are the only club he has represented in his career. But now he is set for a new challenge with Middlesbrough.

West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth have all also showed an interest. The latter could have offered him Premier League football after their promotion. But is believed Boro are winning the race.

Nyambe can play as a right wing-back, so will compete with Isaiah Jones for a place in the team.

Middlesbrough finished seventh in the Championship last season, just outside the play-off places.

Ryan Nyambe to be latest Middlesbrough signing

Nyambe would be the second player Boro land from Blackburn this off season after already luring Darragh Lenihan to The Riverside.

In addition, former Blackburn loanee Ryan Giles has joined on temporary terms from Premier League outfit Wolves.

Chris Wilder’s side have also signed Kamil Conteh after his time with Watford for the youth ranks, and Liam Roberts for the senior side following his spell with Northampton Town.

Wilder will be hoping to build a strong squad for what will be his first full season in charge after taking the reins last November.

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