Transfer gossip (Tuesday): Boro keeping fingers crossed | Reds reject Owls bid | Tigers star wanted | Millers go for Leeds midfielder

Boro are keeping their fingers crossed that a deal for the £6m-rated 23-year-old can be struck, although they are remaining cautious with sources having admitted they have been close for some time without an agreement being reached.

Bamford spent a successful season-long loan spell at the Riverside Stadium during the 2014-15 campaign, scoring 17 league goals as the club lost out on promotion to the Premier League in the play-off final at Wembley.

He has since been sent out to Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley - from where he was recalled at the weekend - but has played far less football than he would have liked and been unable to prove his worth.

However, Karanka has kept an eye on him and with Chelsea coach Antonio Conte seemingly willing to let him go, Boro are ready to move.

The Teessiders have already completed a £6m swoop for Aston Villa frontman Rudy Gestede and are also maintaining an interest in unsettled Stoke playmaker Bojan Krkic.

Karanka worked with Bojan in the Spanish youth set-up and, although he has remained tight-lipped on his interest in him in recent weeks, it is understood he would like him.

However, Potters boss Mark Hughes insisted at the weekend that he wanted to keep the player and, while that may ultimately prove to be a bargaining tactic, the noises coming from Teesside in recent days have been less than confident.

While Karanka is attempting to reshape his squad - David Nugent has left for Derby, Tomas Mejias and Julien de Sart have gone out on loan, while Stewart Downing and Jordan Rhodes could yet follow - he is also having to protect the assets he wants to retain.

Reports of Leicester’s interest in midfielder Gaston Ramirez emerged over the weekend, prompting the Spaniard to insist the Uruguay international remains part of his plans.

Hull City would want at least £15m for Jake Livermore, the subject of a £10m bid from West Bromwich Albion. Tony Pulis wants the one-time England international to strengthen his midfield after missing out on Morgan Schneiderlin, who has joined Everton from Manchester United.

Watford, Crystal Palace and Villa, managed by former Hull chief Steve Bruce, are also said to be interested.

Rotherham United are hoping to sign Leeds United midfielder Toumani Diagouraga, 29, who is out of favour at Elland Road.

The Millers are also said to have rejected a £1.3m bid from Queens Park Rangers for striker Danny Ward, who is also said to be interesting Leeds United and Ipswich Town.

Sheffield Wednesday are believed to have had a £1.25m bid rejected by Barnsley for captain Conor Hourihane, who could now be on his way to Aston Villa.

The Owls have already signed Reds striker Sam Winnall for £500,000 but look set to miss out on play-maker Hourihane, who is out of contract at the end of the season and who could well quadruple his wages with a switch to Villa, provided the Midlands club up their offer.

Barnsleyare apparently interested in a loan deal for young Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, who spent he whole of last season on loan at Hull City, making 42 appearances and scoring seven goals.

The talented striker is extremely comfortable in possession and is someone who would fit into this current Barnsley side seamlessly.

West Ham youngster Reece Oxford is a central defender the Reds are also interested in.

Owls midfielder Lewis McGugan could be off on loan to Bolton Wanderers.