Middlesbrough could offer Sunderland target Grant Leadbitter to Millwall.
According to TEAMtalk, Middlesbrough could include midfielder Grant Leadbitter in a deal for Millwall ace George Saville – potentially ending Sunderland’s hopes of a move.
Boro have backed Tony Pulis with two midfield additions as Paddy McNair arrived from Sunderland before Muhamed Besic returned from Everton on loan.
However, with money in the bank from selling Ben Gibson, Adama Traore and Patrick Bamford before the transfer deadline, Pulis is still chasing additions – and one could be close.
Middlesbrough are pursuing a deal for Millwall playmaker George Saville, and TEAMtalk report that Boro are closing in on a loan move for the ex-Chelsea talent, which would become permanent in January.
It’s also noted that Millwall are keen on Middlesbrough trio Grant Leadbitter, Marvin Johnson and Ashley Fletcher, with any of them potentially being used in a part-exchange deal.
If Leadbitter is included in a deal for Saville, then Sunderland may well be left hugely disappointed by such a move, given their interest in re-signing the midfielder.
Just today, The Gazette reported that Sunderland could make a late move to take Leadbitter on loan before Friday’s deadline if they can offload some high earners, which would be something of a dream return for the veteran.
Leadbitter, 32, grew up supporting Sunderland and started his career with the club before leaving for Ipswich Town in 2009, with more than 120 appearances for the Black Cats to his name.
The midfielder may be keen to re-join his boyhood club in a dream move for him personally, but the opportunity to stay in the Championship may be too good to turn down in a potential blow for Sunderland.
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