Middlesbrough FC 'progressing' in talks over deal for Columbus Crew and USA man Max Arfsten
Middlesbrough have been credited with interest in a 21-cap USA international
Middlesbrough are reportedly progressing with talks over a deal to sign Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew.
The 25-year-old can operate as a winger or a left-back, and Middlesbrough appear to be keen on strengthening in the latter department.
Matt Targett has departed the Riverside following his season on loan from Newcastle United, leaving Middlesbrough short.
Arfsten made the USA squad for the World Cup, but did not make an appearance until their round of 16 defeat to Belgium.
Middlesbrough linked with 21-cap USA man
According to TEAMtalk, a move to the Championship could be on the cards for the 21-cap USA international.
Talks over a deal are said to be progressing, with Middlesbrough thought to be prioritising the signing of a new left-back in the transfer market.
There is believed to be growing confidence that a deal can be done as Middlesbrough plot another push for promotion to the Premier League.
A move to the Riverside would reunite Arfsten with his compatriot and international teammate Aidan Morris.
Middlesbrough looking ahead
Middlesbrough have started their pre-season work having licked their wounds in the aftermath of a devastating Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City.
They have since done business with the club who defeated them, striking a deal to sign industrious forward Kyle Joseph.
After Middlesbrough’s bitter blow at Wembley, head coach Kim Hellberg said: “It seemed we were going into extra time with us driving the game to get a goal and they scored from a cross.
“That is football. It's a game of small margins, especially when it comes to a final. I tried to pick everyone up on the pitch as much as possible and talked to them in the locker room. There is a time to be devastated and disappointed for everyone.
“It's been a roller-coaster for everyone in the football club, a lot emotions back and forth. But we have to look at this game and say in many aspects we did a lot of good things over 90 minutes but they scored one and we scored nil.”