Sheffield United have reportedly made the first move for Thomas, but Middlesbrough are the new favourites to land him.
Middlesbrough caretaker manager Steve Agnew
Middlesbrough have made contact with Hartlepool United regarding the potential transfer of winger Nathan Thomas, The Northern Echo reports.
Thomas scored nine goals and made another as Hartlepool were relegated from the Football League this season, and is said to have attracted bids from Boro’s soon-to-be divisional rivals, Leeds United and Sheffield United.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is said to have bid for Thomas
Hartlepool are in no position to hang on to the 22-year-old and it is claimed they could fetch around £300,000 initially, after Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Sheffield United have already agreed a similar fee with the Monkey Hangers.
According to The Northern Echo, Middlesbrough – whose budget will be among the strongest in next season’s Championship – are ready to match the pair’s offers and are now clear favourites to land Thomas, who has also interested Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
North Yorkshire-born Thomas was on the books of North East duo Newcastle United and Sunderland as a kid, and a move to Middlesbrough would allow him to remain in the area.
Sheffield United have placed winger Matty Done on the transfer list after clinching the League One title, while the futures of on-loan Leeds wide men Hadi Sacko, Modou Barrow and Alfonso Pedraza remain uncertain.
Barnsley’s Marley Watkins scores from distance
Leeds are also being linked with a move for Barnsley’s Marley Watkins, who is leaving Oakwell on a free transfer.
Should Thomas choose Middlesbrough over Leeds United or Sheffield United?
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