Azaz in £2.5m Boro move

MIDFIELDER'S LOAN SPELL SET TO BE CUT SHORT AT ARGYLE

- CHRIS ERRINGTON 

MIDDLESBROUGH are closing in on a £2.5 million transfer of Finn Azaz from Aston Villa, which would end his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle, Herald Sport understands.

Azaz signed for the Pilgrims in August on a second consecutive season-long loan but, as was the case when Morgan Whittaker returned to Swansea City from Argyle this time last year, there is a recall option for Villa during the January transfer window.

With Azaz putting in some impressive performances for Argyle in the Championship this season, the Premier League club now appear ready to cash in on him. The talented 23-year-old has scored seven goals and come up with five assists for the Pilgrims, who are in 18th position in the table.

Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough are 12th, four points outside the play-off places, and are looking to strengthen their squad for a push for a return to the Premier League.

Bristol City, Southampton and French club Toulouse have also reportedly been interested in Azaz, but Boro have agreed a transfer fee and now personal terms have to be finalised.

Azaz first joined Argyle on loan from Villa for the start of the 2022/23 season. Despite a three-month spell out of action due to a broken ankle, he was an important part of their League One title triumph. The midfielder made 24 starts and 10 substitute appearances for the Pilgrims and scored eight goals.

Argyle held an interest in Azaz throughout last summer and a permanent move was considered but they ended up signing Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker for joint club record £1m transfers, and he eventually returned to Home Park on loan three days before the Championship campaign began.