MIDDLESBROUGH

Ahead of tonight’s second home game of the season against Burton Albion, Garry Monk is close to adding a new defender he has sought for a number of weeks.

Birmingham have agreed a deal with Boro for centre-back Ryan Shotton and now the deal is only being held up until the Blues bring in a replacement.

The 28-year-old can also play full-back, although Shotton is viewed predominantly as a man capable of playing in the middle.

He will provide competition for Ben Gibson, Daniel Ayala and Dael Fry and Middlesbrough will continue to play hardball over the clubs interest in Gibson.

Once Shotton arrives then Middlesbrough’s focus will be on the extra forward or two that Monk craves. Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Kent are the two under the most consideration.

NEWCASTLE

Joey Barton has been claiming this morning that Rafael Benitez will have walked before Christmas unless Mike Ashley sells up.

His reasons centre on the lack of transfer progress over the summer, with Benitez unable to bring in the sort of quality he had hoped for following promotion.

The Newcastle boss is close to bringing in two more new players, though. Both have been mentioned repeatedly over the last fortnight.

Stoke City striker Joselu looks certain to be the first after a £5m fee was agreed for the player.

The Potters had been reluctant to cash in until they had a replacement lined up and now it seems Jese Rodriguez, the subject of Boro interest in January, is heading for Staffordshire.

The second arrival should still be Chelsea’s Kenedy. The Brazilian winger was part of the Blues squad on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, but he is still likely to head to St James’ on loan.

SUNDERLAND

Simon Grayson is seeking more new faces but he could also have to look for another new defender if Lamine Kone is sold in the next couple of weeks.

West Brom and Burnley remain interested in the Ivorian and they have him on a list of targets along with Middlesbrough defender Gibson.

Grayson has admitted that he is braced for offers for Kone, who has started the season well with excellent displays against Derby and Norwich.

Chief executive Martin Bain is pressing ahead with attempts to boost the Sunderland squad.

Aston Villa’s Ross McCormack is still wanted on loan, while Middlesbrough’s former Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter is still in their sights.

Preston’s Jordan Hugill remains a leading attacking target too but chances of landing him could suffer a blow if Birmingham sell Shotton to Middlesbrough. Harry Redknapp would then have a £3m fee to help his own rebuliding and Hugill is known to be in his sights.

ACCORDING TO REPORTS …

Manchester City are set to make a £60m offer for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez.

Chelsea are ready to splash £120m on three Premier League stars; Virgil van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Drinkwater.

Borussia Dortmund have set a two-week deadline for Barcelona to finalise their £90m deal for Ousmane Dembele.

Tottenham are to hold talks with Ajax over a £28m move for Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez.