MIDDLESBROUGH have stepped up their search for a first choice goalkeeper with the Championship campaign beginning in just over a month's time and have made contact over the possibility of signing Manchester City's Zack Steffan.

Steffen, who has been at the Premier League champions for the last two season after a permanent switch from Columbus Crew, would be expected to make the switch to Boro on loan for the season.

Boro boss Chris Wilder has been keen to bring in a fresh platter of shotstoppers to choose from having allowed Joe Lumley, Sol Brynn and Zach Hemming all to leave on loan to Reading, Swindon Town and Kilmarnock respectively. Liam Roberts completed a permanent switch to the club earlier this month following the expiration of his contract at Northampton Town and has been earmarked as a number two.

Boro have declared their interest in signing Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow and Leicester City’s Daniel Iversen in recent weeks. However, Boro have touched based with Manchester City over a possible move.

The 27-year-old American has mostly figured as a second choice during his time at City behind Ederson and has been limited to just 21 appearances in total, most of those games being played in the club’s domestic competitions. However, he does have two Premier League winners medal along with an Carabao Cup winners medal, where he kept a clean sheet in the final during their 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

City are signing Stefan Ortega from German side Armenia Bielefeld as their second choice goalkeeper following his release. With the World Cup in Qatar taking place later this year, Steffen will want regular game time to enhance his chances of playing for the USA. 

Steffen has 29 caps for his country and has also spent time at SC Freiburg, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Fortuna Dusseldorf in his career.

Boro’s pre-season campaign is underway with their first friendly being played against Bishop Auckland this weekend.