Newcastle are believed to be leading the race for the England Under-21 striker
Patrick Bamford is seen as one of the key transfer targets for the Magpies this summer.
The Tyneside club are on the verge of announcing Steve McClaren as their new manager next week and the former England manager is an admirer of the Chelsea forward.
McClaren worked with Bamford whilst at Derby County, where he scored eight goals in 21 games in the 2013/14 season.
Season review
The most recent campaign saw the 21-year-old hit 19 for Middlesbrough as they just missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing 2-0 to Norwich in the play-off final.
Despite an impressive goal-scoring return, the Championship Player of the Year will more than be likely sold instead of breaking into the Chelsea first-team.
Sunderland and West Brom are just some of the other clubs desperate to beat Newcastle to the England youngster’s signature.
Bamford is just one of a number of players that are on incoming manager, Steve McClaren’s shopping list – the QPR striker Charlie Austin is also reportedly on their radar.
However, they face stiff competition from Southampton with Austin recently stating he would rather stay in the south of England.
The 25-year-old scored 18 goals in 35 games for QPR but still couldn’t help prevent the London-based side from being relegated.
Written by Jack Wynne – @JackRobertWynne
