Baggies star back on the radar for Boro

MIDDLESBROUGH have some interest in bringing Alex Mowatt to the Riverside this summer, 12 months after trying to sign him initially.

Boro are still in the market for two midfielders this summer and left-footed Mowatt would fit the bill as an ideal replacement for Marcus Tavernier after his summer exit to Bournemouth.

Boro are believed to be interested in a deal to bring him to the club, though they have alternative targets they’re monitoring for the same role too.

Reports claim Boro are working on a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, with Mowatt signing a three-year contract at the Hawthorns when joining the Baggies on a free transfer last summer. Talks between the two clubs are expected to advance this week.

The Gazette understands there is interest in the player from Boro, but West Brom are pondering the move, with Mowatt not starting either of West Brom’s opening two games so far this season.

Boro had tried to sign Mowatt last summer while available on a free transfer following the conclusion of his Barnsley contract.

However, his Tykes boss Valerien Ismael joined the Baggies and with parachute payments to their advantage, the Midlands club were able to beat Boro and many other Championship clubs to snap up the 27-year-old.

Mowatt would play 34 times last season and started the majority of games even after Ismael was sacked in February and replaced by Steve Bruce.

However, he was not involved in any of the last three games after being hooked early in a 4-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

This summer Bruce has managed to turn Jayson Molumby’s loan into a permanent deal, while adding further competition in midfield with the addition of Turkish midfielder Okay Yokuslu from Getafe.

And after coming on in the final minute at the Riverside last weekend to help run the clock down, Mowatt was an unused sub in Monday evening’s draw with Watford, with Yokuslu prefered.

John Swift’s arrival has seen a switch in tactics for Bruce, with the Baggies playing with a 10 now as opposed to three central midfielders like last term, with Molumby, Jake Livermore and Yokuslu believed to be ahead of him in pecking order.

Boro would like to capitalise on that situation and bring Mowett to Teesside, but the question is whether West Brom would want to let him leave to join a potential promotion rival.