Middlesbrough are closing in on a deal to sign midfielder Abdoulaye Kante from French second-tier side Troyes.
As per initial reports from Foot Mercato in France, Boro are close to finalising the details of the move with the club, which would allow the player to travel to Teesside and complete the move. With potential bonuses included, the deal is said to be worth around €3 million, according to the French report.
Despite being just 20, Kante has already made over 50 Ligue 2 appearances for Troyes, having signed his first pro deal with the club two years ago. He sat out Saturday’s friendly victory over Grenoble Foot as a result of the developing transfer discussions.
Born in the Ivory Coast, Kante moved to France four years ago and has impressed since initially joining the Troyes academy, quickly progressing through their ranks. Defensive-minded, he is strong and athletic and has displayed an excellent passing range. He caught the eye and was linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne in January.
That caught the eye of Boro scouts who have been keen to add that kind of profile to their midfield since last season. That was evident in the January transfer window when they attempted to add more steel with an ambitious loan move for former Rangers star Glen Kamara, only to be thwarted by the late arrival of a mega-rich Saudi bid.
The breakthrough is a welcome one for Boro, who have had a slower than ideal start to the summer transfer window after replacing Michael Carrick with Rob Edwards. Midfield was seen as one of their key priorities, with Jonny Howson leaving this summer, as was centre-back, where they are close to adding Alfie Jones from Hull City.
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