Middlesbrough close to Bojan's signature

Middlesbrough are reportedly deemed favourites to sign Stoke City ace Bojan Krkic in the January transfer window. Boro have the player as their number one target as they head to the final stages of the transfer window.

The former La Masia student has not made much of an impression at the Bet365 Stadium this season, and he is said to be open to a fresh move before the deadline.

Reports suggest that Boro are leading the race over Scottish champions Celtic for the player, but the transfer price still remains the stumbling block.

Aitor Karanka's side are willing to pay a fee of around £8m for the Spaniard, but this still remains below the Potters' £12m valuation.

The Teeside club will continue to be in negotiations with Stoke City in the coming days, and there is a sense of belief that Bojan would be allowed to leave his present club by the end of the week.