RANDOLPH ‘FIT’ DESPITE HAMMER BLOW

DARREN RANDOLPH has been passed fit by Middlesbrough despite his protracted move to West Ham hitting a snag over a medical issue. The goalkeeper had been one of the Hammers’ primary targets as they looked to secure back-up for first-choice Lukasz Fabianski. But the move hit the skids last week as problems arose following the Republic of Ireland star’s medical. Randolph has been suffering with a thigh injury that has kept him out for three weeks but Boro are sure he has fully recovered from the injury, to the point he will be considered for tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay against Tottenham. Sportsmail understands the Hammers put the move on hold — not because the injury has not sufficiently healed, but over concerns the keeper could suffer a recurrence of the problem. Randolph has only recently recovered, which would raise obvious questions over the medical. West Ham chiefs are wary of a potential backlash if they were to sign a player who is instantly forced to spend time on the treatment table. However, there is hope the transfer can be revived this week, particularly after Fabianski suffered a fresh injury against Sheffield United on Friday night. The east Londoners were boosted yesterday by the news Fabianski will only face a couple of weeks on the sidelines. The 34-year-old had to go off just 13 minutes into Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United after hurting his hip taking a goal-kick. Yesterday’s scan showed the injury is not serious, and he could be back in time to face Liverpool at the end of this month. Randolph is not expected to play against Spurs tonight, to ensure he is not cup-tied were he to move to the London Stadium. But if his switch is not finalised by Friday, Randolph is set to play against Fulham that evening.