Divin Mubama set to seal Middlesbrough loan with Championship rivals Derby County poised to miss out
Manchester City striker Divin Mubama is expected to join Middlesbrough on an initial loan deal, sources have told bet365.
The England U21 star is in high-demand this summer as Championship clubs all battle to capture the services of the former West Ham United man for the 2026/27 campaign.
Derby County looked to have edged themselves to the front of the queue last week, but it's believed Boro are now favourites to seal his signature following a breakthrough in talks over the weekend.
The 21-year-old has scored five times in just seven appearances for the young Three Lions, whilst he also enjoyed his first taste of regular first-team action at Stoke City last term.
In total, he made 28 appearances in all competitions for the Potters, chipping in with five goals.
He netted twice in his first three matches under Mark Robins last August before bagging his first professional hat-trick in a 5-1 hammering of Bristol City in early November.
However, he failed to add to his tally across his final 14 games for the club, with the second half of his campaign significantly affected by a knee injury he sustained at the turn of the year.
Despite his lack of goals following Christmas, the frontman is still highly-regarded by clubs in the second tier with a handful of scouts, including Middlesbrough representation, in attendance at Manchester City's recent trial game.
Mubama is one of a number of players the Citizens are keen to offload in the coming weeks, either permanently or on loan.
Others such as Issa Kabore, who spent last season on loan at Wrexham, and Max Alleyne are also available for transfer before the end of the window, with the pair joining Mubama in City's specially arranged showcase game at the club's training ground on Monday.
Boro boss Kim Hellberg is keen to add to his attacking ranks despite having already sealed moves for Kyle Joseph from Hull City and Myles Peart-Harris from Peterborough United.
Ecuador international Jeremy Sarmiento has also turned his loan move to the Riverside Stadium into a permanent agreement from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Now, barring any late hiccups, it appears Mubama will be following the trio through the doors in the North East.
