HITC Sport understands Middlesbrough’s move for Birmingham defender Shotton could be off
Middlesbrough’s move for Birmingham City defender Ryan Shotton is on the verge of falling through, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.
Shotton has been the subject of interest from Middlesbrough for several weeks, with the former Stoke man keen on a move to Teesside.
Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk has been busy in the transfer market this summer 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.
Shotton, who started his career at Stoke City, 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.
Middlesbrough saw their opening offer for Shotton rejected last month, but talks have continued between both clubs and a deal was expected to be finalised.
However, Birmingham were reluctant to let Shotton leave before bringing in a replacement and so far they have drawn a blank in their pursuit of a new defender.
Shotton still has two years to run on his deal at Birmingham and Blues boss Harry Redknapp does not want to sell him if he has no cover for Shotton leaving Middlesbrough to go back to square one in their search for a new defender.
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