Middlesbrough are hoping to tie up a deal to sign Hull City striker Kyle Joseph in the next 48 hours.
The Teesiders spent long parts of the 2025/26 campaign inside the top two but missed out on promotion in agonising fashion after being beaten by the Tigers in tense play-off final at Wembley in May.
However, they appear set to strengthen their hand ahead of the new campaign with talks between Boro and Hull progressing over a deal that would see 24-year-old frontman Joseph secure a permanent move to the Riverside Stadium.
Hull have until the end of play on Tuesday to raise around £6 million to avoid breaking strict Premier League financial fair play rules, a breach that would see them incur a likely six-point deduction ahead of the upcoming season.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg is one of a number of second-tier bosses to hold a strong interest in Joseph, and despite serious competition for his signature, the Northern Echo are reporting that it appears as though he will soon land his man.
"Boro have held talks with Hull over Joseph, who is one of a number of attacking targets this summer. And while it's understood a deal hasn't yet been finalised at this stage, there's hope further progress can be made quickly," journalist Dominic Shaw wrote on Sunday afternoon.
Hull were initially believed to have been demanding around £8 million for the striker, however, with time running out to make up their FFP shortfall, they are seemingly willing to accept a somewhat lower fee.
Joseph scored eight goals and provided five assists for the Tigers last season, despite only starting 27 times across the regular Championship campaign.
The versatile attacker, who has also played for Wigan Athletic, Swansea City and Blackpool, was the subject of serious interest from Millwall in January, but Hull refused to sanction a deal as they sought promotion to the top-flight.
It's understood head coach Sergej Jakirovic would have liked to have kept Joseph at the club for their Premier League return, but the club's need to raise funds before the end of the month has left them with little option other than to cash in.
