FINN Azaz is set to leave Middlesbrough after a £15m deal was agreed with Championship rivals Southampton.
Boro didn't want to lose Azaz this summer but the forward is understood to have been unhappy and had made it clear he wanted a move.
With that as the backdrop, Boro reluctantly agreed to sanction Azaz's exit but only if their valuation of the forward was reached.
Southampton's initial bid for the 24-year-old was rejected last week but Saints have now returned with an improved offer - £12m up-front plus £3m in achievable add-ons - which has been accepted.
Azaz will now head for the south coast to put the finishing touches to the move, which is expected to be finalised in the next 48 hours.
Azaz will leave Boro on good terms but boss Rob Edwards has repeatedly stressed this summer the importance of his players being happy and settled at the club.
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Boro are set to make a huge profit on Azaz, who they signed for £2.5m in January last year.
The 24-year-old former Aston Villa forward starred for Boro last season with 12 goals and 11 assists.
A couple of Premier League clubs were linked early in the summer but no bids were tabled until Southampton made their first offer last week.
That was rejected, but Boro were always expecting a follow-up offer, and a deal has now been agreed.
Boro have strengthened their forward line with the arrival of Sontje Hansen this summer, while Sverre Nypan is as comfortable playing as a No.10 as he is in central midfield.
Morgan Whittaker, Delano Burgzorg and Riley McGree are other senior attacking midfield options, while Sammy Silvera can also be used in an advanced position now Matt Targett has arrived from Newcastle United.
Boro are closing in on the signing of Kaly Sene and are also looking to sign one more forward player ahead of next Monday's deadline.
As reported by the Northern Echo yesterday, Boro are adamant they will not be losing Hayden Hackney ahead of Monday's deadline.
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