Ange hoping to pip Boro to the signing of Aussie McGree

potential add-ons — which could see the fee rise closer to £4m — this week. McGree began his career with Adelaide United before making the jump to Europe with Club Brugge. He was loaned back Down Under, first to Newcastle Jets and then Melbourne City, before a permanent return to his first club. Joining Charlotte FC in October 2020, the midfielder made a big impact on loan at Birmingham and was willing to consider staying with Lee Bowyer’s side after team-mate George Friend issued a plea for the club to keep him. ‘He has been great. He’s a very good player,’ said Friend. ‘He has had a really tough time here because under [Aitor] Karanka he just didn’t play, even though every day in training he was arguably the best player. ‘He has a great temperament and personality — and most of all he is a talented footballer, so I hope he can stay on some level.’ Postecoglou first tipped McGree for stardom when he called him up for Australia five years ago for the Socceroos’ World Cup doubleheader against Iraq and United Arab Emirates, even though the then 18-year-old had only played 13 games as a professional. Back then, the current Parkhead boss explained why McGree had caught his eye. Postecoglou said at the time: ‘I thought he looked exciting from the moment he broke into the team. He’s played Asian Champions League and A-League at such a young age. ‘We’ll give him an opportunity. He could be an exciting one for us in years to come.’ However, McGree remained on the bench for those qualifiers and didn’t make his full Australia debut until last year against Kuwait.