SAM GREENWOOD could make his Middlesbrough move permanent for just £1.5m next summer with an option to buy included in the deal when he joined from Leeds United on loan, it has emerged.

Boro included the clause - which was first reported by The Athletic - as they work to guard against a repeat of the situation they found themselves in this summer when they were forced to replace a number of loan players, who were key men last summer before returning to their parent clubs.

Boro chiefs stressed throughout the summer that they were prioritising permanent deals and although Greenwood was one of two loan arrivals late in the window - alongside Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien - the signing could well turn to be a shrewd long-time investment.

Having suffered an injury during the summer with Leeds, head coach Michael Carrick was happy to be patient with Greenwood when he first arrived. The 21-year-old is now fit and upto speed and impressed in his first start in last week's home win over Cardiff City before scoring his first Boro goal on his return to former club Sunderland at the weekend.

Given Leeds signed Greenwood for £1.5m three years ago, the forward has since played Premier League football, only relatively recently signed a new contract which runs until 2026 and has his best years ahead of him, the £1.5m fee to make the move permanent next summer has the look of being a bargain for Boro. 

After joining the club, Greenwood - who came through the ranks at Sunderland - told of his delight at being back "home" in the North East and has settled in well at Boro.

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After his goalscoring return to Sunderland on Saturday, he said: "I feel unbelievable. I've had a right little buzz on.

"It's a big game. I know what this game is about being from the area. You just have to stay composed and focused on the plan.

"My dad is in there in the away end somewhere. I spotted him when we had a corner and gave him a wave. I'm sure he'll be buzzing for me.

"We just have to rest up now, take the rest and when we come back keep the momentum going and keep pushing.

"I think I'm getting there. I had a slow pre-season with injury but I'm getting there now and want to keep pushing."

Carrick said of Greenwood: "When he first came in he was a little bit frustrated, but I think now he realises it does take a little time to get that sharpness, and we spoke to him throughout that time about being patient. We were patient with him. Now, I think we’re definitely seeing that it’s starting to come for him, and I think that’s showed in the last two games."