Middlesbrough target Tom Glover after Melbourne City exit

Glover is a free agent after leaving Melbourne City, and, after talks between the club and player's representatives, Boro are confident of landing the 25-year-old.

Glover is an Australia Under-23 international, was part of the Socceroos squad for the Tokyo Olympics and was last month named in the senior Australia squad - alongside Riley McGree - for their game against Argentina.

As a teenager, Glover moved to London and joined Tottenham's academy, going on to become a regular for the Under-21s.

He returned to his homeland initially to join Central Coast Mariners on loan, before signing for Melbourne City in 2019. He made almost 90 appearances for Melbourne, who are part of the City Football Group, and played in a Grand Final. Last season, he made headlines around the world after he was left concussed when rioting fans stormed the pitch during a game against rivals Melbourne Victory.

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Melbourne wanted to keep Glover this summer but the keeper made it known to bosses that he wanted to return to Europe.

After his exit was confirmed, Glover said: “I’ve loved playing at the club, but the time has now come for me to take the next step in my career.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities that City has given me to play senior football and to help me in my development on the pitch as a player and off the pitch as a person.

“It’s been special to be part of such a successful group and I’ll never forget the memories of the past few years, but lifting four pieces of silverware in front of our amazing fans will always be the highlight."

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Signing a goalkeeper was a priority for Boro this summer after Zack Steffen's return to Manchester City.

Karl Darlow and Seny Dieng have both been on Boro's radar. Boro did make an offer for Dieng and talks took place but as things stand it's understood he's unlikely to be heading for the Riverside.

Boro made a breakthrough in the transfer market with the capture of Alex Gilbert on Tuesday evening. He's set to be followed by Rav van den Berg in the coming days, while Boro are also in pole position to sign Sammy Silvera from Central Coast Mariners.