Middlesbrough hopeful over re-signing Premier League ace

Middlesbrough are reportedly hopeful of re-signing Premier League striker Patrick Bamford in January.

The Championship outfit, who currently sit third in the standings after last week’s 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, are prepared to make another loan swoop for the Chelsea forward if his spell at fellow rivals Crystal Palace is cut short in the New Year.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Eagles on an initial season-long loan deal back in July, has failed to score in just four league appearances for Alan Pardew’s side so far this season, accumulating to just 70 minutes of play.

Still popular on Teesside; where the former Nottingham Forest youth graduate netted 17 goals in 38 Championship games for Boro last term, manager Aitor Karanka is eager to re-sign Bamford to help his side’s push for promotion to the Premier League if he becomes available in the forthcoming transfer window.