Middlesbrough in talks to bring Alvaro Negredo back to England

The newly-promoted Teessiders are understood to have opened talks over the 30-year-old former Manchester City forward as head coach Aitor Karanka looks to boost the firepower at his disposal in the Barclays Premier League.

However, the negotiations are proving painstaking with Boro seeking an initial loan agreement without taking on full responsibility for the player’s existing financial package.

Discussions are understood to have been ongoing for some time and, while progress has been made, any deal remains distant.

Madrid-born Negredo scored 23 goals in his one season at City before returning to Spain to join Valencia, initially on loan and then in a £19m permanent switch.

He has managed just five league goals in each of his last two LaLiga campaigns, although his physical presence has proved a major weapon.

Meanwhile, Boro have also been credited with an interest in Negredo’s club-mate Antonio Barragan, a 29-year-old right-back.

Vincent Janssen cited Mauricio Pochettino and Champions League football for his eagerness to move to Tottenham.

The 22-year-old Holland striker yesterday signed a four-year contract until 2020 after moving from AZ Alkmaar.

Janssen finished top scorer in the Eredivisie last season with 27 goals in 34 appearances and helped AZ secure a place in the division’s top four.

Tottenham will pay an initial £17m for Janssen but the fee could rise to £18.5m depending on the player’s performances.

“One of the reasons I chose Tottenham (is) the way (Pochettino) thinks and how he plays. I really like that,” Janssen said.

“It’s always a dream for me to play Champions League and now it’s coming very close. When I was a little child I watched every game in the Champions League and now I can play it for myself,” he added.

“It’s a beautiful club, a traditional club in England. They did very good last year and I’m happy to play for Spurs.”

Chelsea midfielder Willian has signed a new four-year contract.

The 27-year-old Brazilian was voted the Blues’ player of the year last season, and his new deal runs until 2020.