Folan close to Middlesbrough loan

Caleb Folan is edging closer towards a loan move to Middlesbrough after being omitted from Saturday`s squad that faced Sunderland.

Sunderland`s North East rivals are believed to have edged ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Folan despite having reservations at City`s insistence on an initial £250,000 payment as part of the loan deal. Should Middlesbrough be willing to pay City`s premium, Gareth Southgate`s side will then be able to purchase the Republic of Ireland striker for £2 million come the end of the season.

Middlesbrough face a tough challenge from Newcastle for signing the highly rated attacker.