Brentford have been dealt a blow by reports that transfer target Patrick Bamford is on the verge of joining Middlesbrough.

The Bees have been battling it out to land the England U21 striker, who is seen as one of the country's hottest young goal-scoring talents, on loan from west London neighbours Chelsea.

However, the Northen Echo reports that Boro boss Aitor Karanka is very close to winning the race for Bamford, and the deal is 'pretty much done'.

Bamford last season scored 22 goals in 44 games across his two loan spells at Derby County in the Championship and MK Dons in League One.

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