IPSWICH Town defender George Edmundson has emerged as an option to resolve Middlesbrough's availability crisis at centre-back.

As it stands, Boro have just one fit and available recognised centre-half in Matt Clarke, heading into Saturday's game at Cardiff City.

Made available by Ipswich, Edmundson, 27, is being viewed as a potential candidate to fill the void, with the club also looking at loan options with the likes of Dael Fry, Darragh Lenihan and Rav van den Berg currently unavailable.

Edmundson is likely to leave Portman Road on Friday, with several clubs interested.

Ipswich defender George Edmundson, who being chased by Middlesbrough and a host of Championship clubs.

Speculation also continues to surround the future of Boro's Richmond-born young forward Josh Coburn, who has been linked with moves to Championship rivals Preston and Millwall.

Speaking on Thursday afternoon, boss Michael Carrick said: "There's plenty of interest in Josh and plenty of teams would love to have him, but from my point of view nothing has changed as yet."

Middlesbrough FC transfers: Boro eye Ipswich man to ease defensive crisis - but face competition + striker D-day