Middlesbrough closing in on Rotherham midfielder Dan Barlaser

A deal is understood to have been agreed between the clubs and Boro are confident of finalising the signing ahead of Tuesday night's transfer deadline.

The capture will be a big boost for Boro, who identified Barlaser as their top January midfield target long before the window opened.

Boro's first offer for the 26-year-old earlier this month was rejected but the Millers were always braced for another approach from Teesside and an agreement between the clubs has now been reached.

Barlaser is out of contract at Rotherham in the summer and made it clear he didn't intend to sign an extension, meaning a move was always likely this month if the Millers could source a replacement.

They did that earlier this week when they completed the signing of midfielder Conor Coventry on loan from West Ham United.

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Barlaser is from Gateshead and came through the ranks at Newcastle United before joining Rotherham in 2020 after a loan spell with the Millers. He's been a key figure at the New York Stadium and has started all 28 of Rotherham's Championship games this season, scoring two goals and creating seven, including three in a 4-0 win over Reading earlier in the campaign.

Strengthening up-front and in midfield were Boro's two top priorities in January. Cameron Archer arrived early in the window, and Barlaser has always been the top target as Boro look to add competition for Jonny Howson and Hayden Hackney in the middle of the park.

Boro also have an eye on bringing in a wide attacker before Tuesday's deadline but it's not seen as a necessity and the club will only move if the right player is available.