Clayton being chased by Boro

Boro tabled an opening offer for the former Leeds United player which was knocked back by Town, but the Teessiders, who monitored the form of Clayton for several months in the second half of last season, are expected to make a renewed move.

Boro head coach Aitor Karanka is a big fan of Clayton, who has just 12 months left on his Town deal and - backed by the support of chairman Steve Gibson in the transfer market - is refusing to be detered in his quest to sign the schemer.

Boro are also in the market for Genk forward Jelle Vossen, who they saw a £4m turned down for by the Belgian outfit last August, with Karanka having been given the green light to kick-start some significant transfer movement.

For their part, Town appear determined to hang onto their midfield talisman, who had an excellent 2013-14 campaign, while mindful that losing him would replace a big hole to fill.

Town rejected a £1m bid for Clayton from Brighton in January with several other Championship sides including Norwich City also known admirers of the 25-year-old.

Meanwhile, Boro have rejected a bid from Rotherham United for Richie Smallwood, who spent a productive loan spell with the Millers last term.