Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of USA international midfielder Sebastian Berhalter from MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps for around £1.5m.
The 25-year-old is understood to be finalising terms with the Championship club as Boro look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new season.
Berhalter has made a name for himself in Major League Soccer and his move to the Championship would represent a significant step up in his career.
The deal highlights Middlesbrough’s growing interest in the MLS market as a source of talent at competitive prices.
Meanwhile, Burnley have made a loan-to-buy offer to sign former Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from MLS side Atlanta United.
The 27-year-old Ivorian departed Middlesbrough for £22.5m in February 2025 following an impressive stint with the club.
Latte Lath scored 27 goals in 59 Championship appearances for Boro, establishing himself as one of the division’s most dangerous forwards during his time at the club.
Burnley’s interest suggests the striker has attracted attention from multiple clubs eager to harness his proven Championship pedigree.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Blackburn Rovers face stiff competition from a number of rivals to sign Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne, who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough.
Browne, who is 31, attracted interest from several clubs after an encouraging loan spell, but Boro are not expected to pursue another deal for the Republic of Ireland international.
Blackburn will need to fend off competing offers from across the Championship if they are to secure Browne’s signature ahead of the new campaign.
The flurry of activity involving players linked to Middlesbrough underlines just how active the Championship transfer market has become heading into the 2026-27 season.
