Middlesbrough close on Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford - Sky sources

Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford is in advanced talks over a permanent move to Middlesbrough, according to Sky sources.

Antonio Conte's club recalled the 23-year-old from his loan at Burnley over the weekend and it now seems he is set for a return to Teesside where he had a loan spell in the 2014-2015 season, scoring 17 goals.

It is understood that Boro boss Aitor Karanka wants to add him to compete with Alvaro Negredo and Rudy Gestede for a place in his side.

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The arrival of Bamford, who has spent five years at Stamford Bridge, would allow Jordan Rhodes to leave Boro with a number of Championship clubs interested.

Middlesbrough have already made enquiries with Stoke over Bojan Krkic and we understand the Spanish forward has told the club he wants to leave.

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Boro are also interested in signing Hull winger Robert Snodgrass, who has been the subject of two failed bids from West Ham.

Bamford, who has also spent time on loan at MK Dons, Derby, Crystal Palace and Norwich, made six substitute appearances for the Clarets.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche said on Saturday: “He’s been called back by Chelsea. It’s their prerogative to do that.

"It was part of the contract that was agreed. We just have to live with that."

Bamford has never played for current Premier League leaders Chelsea, who are in the midst of a dispute with striker Diego Costa after he was the subject of a £30m-per-year offer from a Chinese club.

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