MIDDLESBROUGH are closing in on an early January transfer window breakthrough, with midfielder Finn Azaz poised to join from Aston Villa.

Azaz has spent the first half of this season - and all of last term - on loan at Plymouth Argyle but that stint will now be cut short, with the talented 23-year-old closing in on a permanent move to the Riverside after Boro and Aston Villa agreed terms.

It's a huge early boost for Michael Carrick, with Boro set to beat Championship rivals Bristol City and Southampton to the capture of the midfielder. Toulouse were also said to be keen.

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Azaz, a versatile attacking midfielder who has been capped at Under-21 level by Republic of Ireland, joined Aston Villa from West Brom in 2021, before linking up with Newport County on loan and then Plymouth. Despite missing a chunk of last season with a broken ankle, Azaz still played a starring role in Argyle's League One promotion, scoring eight goals from 24 starts.

He joined Argyle on loan in the summer and has impressed in the Championship so far this term, scoring seven goals and five assists. One of his goals came against Middlesbrough when the sides drew 3-3 at Home Park.

He's been watched closely by Boro this season and Carrick's side are now set to be boosted by an early breakthrough in the transfer window, as they were last season when they signed Cameron Archer on loan from Aston Villa.

Boro are looking to bolster their promotion-chasing squad with three new additions this month, with a defender and a striker also on the wishlist. But the club won't be tempted into making panic signings and will stick to their bigger picture plan.

Despite their injury troubles, Carrick has stressed the importance of not bringing in players who are a "quick fix" and instead looking to the long term.