HITC Sport understands Middlesbrough eye Birmingham defender.
Birmingham’s Ryan Shotton
Middlesbrough are planning a move for Birmingham City defender Ryan Shotton, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Shotton has been the subject of interest from Hull City already this summer, but HITC Sport understands Middlesbrough are leading the chase for the former Stoke man.
Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk has been busy in the transfer market recently as he looks to reshape his squad at the Riverside and he has identified Shotton as a top target.
Monk is keen to bolster his defensive options and he sees Shotton’s versatility as making him a key addition to his plans.
Birmingham City’s Ryan Shotton in action with Aston Villa’s Scott Hogan
Shotton joined Birmingham last summer from Derby after initially impressing on loan at St Andrew’s.
The 28-year-old was virtually an ever-present for Birmingham last season, starting 43 of Blues’ 46 Championship matches and he helped them avoid relegation from the Championship on the final day of last season.
Shotton still has two years to run on his deal at Birmingham and the club would want a sizeable fee if they are to sell him before the closure of the transfer window.
Shotton started his career at Stoke City where he won the club’s Young Player of the Season before moving on to Derby in 2015 and he is thought to be keen on a move to Middlesbrough.
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