Transfer round-up: Middlesbrough close in on Brazilian defender, interest in Leeds United player not dead

Left-back has been a priority issues for Boro since ALex Bangura's injury, and even though Hull City triggered a clause in Giles' loan from Luton Town to make it permanent, they had been keen on him.

But having accepted the player they loaned in 2022-23 was not coming back, they have turned to Clermont Foot's 27-year-old defender, another long-term target who they failed to land as Giles' replacement last year.

But with Clemont relegated from Ligue 1 and a year left on his contract, Brazilian Borges has become gettable.

Leeds United are braced for interest in Max Wober from Borussia Monchengladbach, where the Austrian spent last season on loan. When the Bundesliga side were unwilling to match Leeds' valuation Wober returned to Elland Road but having only played a bit part since, Monchengladbach have always held the hope that Leeds will lower their price late in the window.

Reports in Germany suggest they will have another try before Friday's 11pm deadline.

Rotherham United's Steve Evans is confident he will not lose any key players before then, despite interest from elsewhere.

“We've had offers for two of our players,” he revealed. “I said to the chairman (Tony Stewart), they're way below the valuation. On that basis, the chairman turned them down.

“Everyone has a value, but unless it's for crazy money we're not going to be losing any of the main group, for sure.”

Brandon Thomas-Asante has said he was tempted by a move to Hull, but joined Coventry City because the 25-year-old felt they were the right "next step" for his career.

"Hull was another really viable option, a strong option," he said.

"I can only speak highly of their owner, the manager and everyone at Hull but for me, it was about weighing up what was the best next step, being at Coventry right now is a place that has so much ambition."

Hull want to make five or six signings this week, with chairman Acun Ilicali admitting Hamburg midfielder Jonas Meffert is a target, as reported.