Medical imminent as Boro star is set for Premier League return
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Darren Randolph is reportedly set to join Premier League club West Ham after the two clubs reportedly agreed a transfer fee.
Reports suggest the Boro shot-stopper is due to have a medical within the next 24 hours, after weeks of rumours linking Randolph to the Hammers.
Randolph joined Boro in 2017 from West Ham and is set for a return to East London following an injury hit season on Teesside.
According to the Athletic, Boro had had already turned down a bid for the Irish international – but a second bid in the region of £4m was not to be sniffed at.
Randolph has impressed the Boro faithful since he joined, becoming one of the best keepers in the league but sources close to the player say the attraction of the Premier League was too much to turn down.
The Hammers have been searching for a keeper to provide competition for current number one Lukasz Fabianski following the sale of Adrian to Liverpool.
On Teesside, Boro have been linked with making a move on a number of outfield players to boost their squad – an extra £4million in the transfer kitty could be just what the club need.
Boro are not expected to venture into the transfer market in search of a keeper however, due to the breakthrough of Aynsley Pears.
Pears has impressed manager Jonathan Woodgate when filling in for Randolph this season – keeping seven clean sheets in only 11 games.
The 22-year-old is expected to be rewarded with a new contract, hinting at the prospect of Pears becoming the club’s outright number one.
Randolph will be missed on Teesside but the keeper would be foolish to turn down one more chance to play in the big time.
Meanwhile on the pitch, Boro battled out a draw against Spurs in the FA Cup third round earning a well deserved replay in London.
In the league, the Teessiders are one of the in-form teams, winning four games on the spin – propelling them from relegation contenders to play-off hopefuls.
Woodgate will be hoping the sale of Randolph will see some finances made available, as Boro look to sneak into the play-offs through the back door.