Transfer Round-Up: Jonny Howson set for Middlesbrough medical ahead of £4.5m move - Newcastle targeting players at Man City and Crystal Palace - Sunderland close to deal for new goalkeeper

Jonny Howson is set for a Middlesbrough medical later today after the Teessiders finally brokered a deal worth around £4.5m for the Norwich midfielder.

Boro’s initial offer was rejected by officials at Carrow Road, but further talks resulted in a compromise agreement which has been accepted by the Canaries.

As a result, Howson is set to undergo a medical at Boro’s training ground and finalise the personal terms of his deal.

Boro have fought off competition from a number of Championship rivals including Leeds and Sunderland to land the 29-year-old midfielder.

Garry Monk is looking to strengthen in a number of positions, and reports in France claim the Teessiders have inquired about Toulouse striker Martin Braithwaite.

The Danish international scored 11 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games last season, but Toulouse are looking to restructure their squad and are willing to listen to offers for the 26-year-old.

They are likely to face a fierce battle to sign him, as West Ham and Southampton have previously been linked and are on the look-out for a striker.

Boro continue to push for Derby defender Cyrus Christie and Nottingham Forest’s Britt Assombalonga, who have been two of Monk’s leading transfer targets from the minute he was appointed at the Riverside.

NEWCASTLE

A couple of long-standing targets dominate the agenda at Newcastle United this morning – with renewed links having emerged to Fabian Delph and Andros Townsend.

Delph has been on Newcastle’s wanted list since January, with Rafael Benitez determined to strengthen his side’s defensive midfield position.

The Magpies inquired about the England international’s availability at the turn of the year, but were told Manchester City did not want to sell. That has changed, with City now looking to offload the 27-year-old for around £10m.

That is what City paid to sign Delph from Aston Villa in 2015, so given that he has failed to hold down a place in the first team in the last two years, Newcastle’s recruitment might well feel a £10m price tag is too high.

They might have to pay that to sign him though, with West Brom and Stoke also having flagged up their interest.

Townsend is another long-standing target, with Benitez having argued unsuccessfully for his re-signing in January.

New Palace manager Frank de Boer has said he wants to give everyone a chance in pre-season, but Newcastle have maintained a dialogue with officials at Selhurst Park and are ready to move if there is any indication that the Eagles are willing to sell.

Vurnon Anita left Newcastle as a free agent last month, and the versatile Dutchman will be back in the Championship next season after signing a three-year deal with Leeds United.

SUNDERLAND

Sunderland play their opening pre-season game at Bury tonight, but while Simon Grayson had been hoping to field up to four new signings, Brendan Galloway is the only new arrival available for the game at Gigg Lane.

Moves for Everton Ty Browning and Aiden McGeady are still in the offing – and could yet go through today – but neither player will be lining for Sunderland this evening.

Grayson continues to monitor a number of players, with former Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy very much at the forefront of his thoughts.

Ruddy is a free agent following his release from Carrow Road at the end of last season, and while a number of clubs have been in touch, Sunderland are understood to be the only side to have tabled a formal offer at this stage.

With Jordan Pickford having left in a £30m move to Everton, Vito Mannone and Mika are currently the only goalkeepers on Sunderland’s books.

Sunderland are also still in the market for West Ham midfielder Robert Snodgrass, but is also the subject of strong interest from Premier League new-boys Brighton.

OTHER CLUBS

The Daily Mirror reports that Antonio Conte’s future at Chelsea is in doubt as he has become frustrated with Chelsea's failure in the transfer market over the summer.

Romelu Lukaku appears to be on the verge of a move to Manchester United and the Blues have also failed on moves for Alexis Sanchez and Virgil van Dijk. The Italian is said to be "fuming" about the failure to bring Lukaku to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will now turn their attention to Swansea's Fernando Llorente, according to the Evening Standard. The Blues were interested in the Spaniard in January's transfer window and Chelsea are set to renew their interest as Diego Costa's likely departure leaves them short in the striker department.

However, Swansea are keen to keep hold of a player whose 15 goals last season helped them retain their Premier League status despite him being in the last year of his contract.

Marseille are the frontrunners to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Everton, West Ham and Lyon have all been linked with the France international after his Gunners future was thrown into doubt by the acquisition of Alexandre Lacazette earlier this week. But now Marseille believe they can take Giroud back home in a deal worth around £24.7million plus add-ons.

The Daily Mirror reports that Leicester winger Demarai Gray has asked for assurances over his prospects of first-team football after Liverpool and Tottenham have shown interest in the 21-year-old.

Gray found last season "tough" after making only nine starts for the Foxes and shone for England Under-21s, scoring twice as they reached the semi-finals of the European Championships.