MIDDLESBROUGH have made an early swoop for Watford midfielder Kamil Conteh.

The Sierra Leone international will make the switch to Boro in the summer once his contract comes to an end with the Hornets at the end of June.

The 19-year-old has previously trialled with Boro as recently as last month featuring for the Under-23’s against Nottingham Forest.

After making his first Watford appearance in the FA Cup against Leicester City in the third round earlier this year, he joined National League South side Braintree Town on loan in February where he went on to make ten appearances, scoring one goal.

The Northern Echo: JW 06 Feb 2022 soccer u's non-league round-up soccer iron eastbourne kamil conteh picture by JON WEAVER

It remains unclear whether Conteh will link up with Boro’s first team once pre season gets back underway or play for the Under-23’s side.

At the time of one of Conteh’s call-ups to the Sierra Leone squad, Braintree manager Ryan Maxwell told Essex Live: “Kamil looks like a real player, he has got all the attributes to play at a very high level.

“We have had to be patient with his development in terms of non-league football and adapting, but there is no doubt there is a technically good gifted player in there and a good athlete.

“I am sure he will go back to Watford better for this experience and being an international will go a long way for his development as well.”