Transfer news: Boro return can boost Patrick Bamford | Burnley and Hammers lead chase for Hull's Snodgrass | Barnsley boosted by loan signing

Bamford has agreed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Riverside, with add-ons and clauses likely to take the fee past the £10m mark.

The 23-year-old proved a revelation during a successful loan spell in 2014-15 when he netted 19 goals and earned the Championship Player of the Year accolade.

But subsequent loan spells at Norwich, Crystal Palace and Burnley have proved underwhelming with Bamford keen to get his career back on track amid familiar surroundings.

With Bamford on board, Boro – who yesterday sold right-back Emilion Nsue to Birmingham City, with Blues’ city neighbours Aston Villa also making moves to sign Jordan Rhodes – are likely to turn their attentions to finalising a deal to sign Stoke’s Bojan Krkic.

In-demand Hull City winger Robert Snodgrass is another target, although West Ham and Burnley seem to be leading the chase to sign the Scot.

The Clarets have reportedly tabled a bid of £7.5m, topping West Ham’s third offer of £6m, which was rejected.

Hull, who have allowed out-of-favour keeper Allan McGregor to join Cardiff City for the rest of the season, are also attempting to fend off significant interest in Jake Livermore, a big target of West Brom, with Crystal Palace and Watford also keen.

On the incoming front, Hull head coach Marco Silva is keen on bringing in Norweigan international right-back Omar Elabdellaoui, who he worked with at former club Olympiacos, with a £500,000 loan bid being mooted.

Barnsley have been handed a welcome fillip following the arrival of versatile Everton youngster Gethin Jones on loan for the rest of the season. The 21-year-old is likely to slot in at right-back with the Reds also set to land another loan target before Saturday’s home derby with Leeds.

Head coach Paul Heckingbottom, hoping that the club can ward off continued interest in the likes of Conor Hourihane and Marc Roberts, among others, said: “It is a great signing for us and I’m really looking forward to bringing Gethin’s talents into the squad. He is young, dynamic and quick.”