MIDDLESBROUGH are set to confirm the signing of Rotherham United midfielder Matt Crooks in the next 24 hours.

Crooks is currently in the South-West with the rest of Boro’s first-team squad, with tomorrow evening’s friendly against League One side Plymouth Argyle marking the end of the club’s three-game tour.

The 27-year-old was in the stands as Boro thrashed Tavistock 7-0 on Wednesday evening, and also watched on from the sidelines today as the Teessiders trained in front of supporters at Saltash United.

Boro officials are understood to have agreed the framework of a deal worth around £1.1m with Rotherham, with Crooks set to bolster a midfield unit that was weakened when George Saville rejoined Millwall earlier this summer.

Argentinain midfielder Martin Payero, who was a second-half substitute as his national side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Australia at the Olympics today, is also set to join Boro before the end of the transfer window as Neil Warnock’s summer rebuilding job gathers pace.

“We are down the line with that one,” said Warnock, when asked about Crooks. “I’ve watched Matt for many, many years, from playing centre-half at Huddersfield. He’s played all over the show really.

“I just think he fits in with exactly what we’re looking for. I think he can come in and contribute 10-15 goals a season, and that’s what we need, more goals.”

Crooks’ arrival will place a question mark over the future of Lewis Wing, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Rotherham, but Warnock insists he is in no rush to see anyone leave.

“We’re a bit short of players at the moment,” said the Boro boss, who has been linked with a possible move for Cardiff City centre-half Ciaron Brown. “I’m not in a rush to do anything (with outgoings) at the moment if I’m honest.”