Exclusive: Middlesbrough open talks to sign Everton's Mark Travers
Middlesbrough have opened talks with Everton over a deal for goalkeeper Mark Travers, sources have told Football Insider.
The Championship side are hoping to strike a reunion with the 27-year-old, having previously had him on loan from Bournemouth back in 2024-25.
The Teesiders have remained big admirers of the Irishman's ability, and are now closing in on a loan move to take him back to the Riverside Stadium.
Travers has been keen to leave Everton this summer in search of more game time, and the Toffees now appear happy to facilitate that for him.
The gloveman made just two appearances in the Carabao Cup last term, but is likely to compete for the number one spot at Middlesbrough.
Kim Hellberg's side are eyeing another push for promotion to the Premier League in 2026-27, and are hopeful of landing Travers.
Mark Travers hoping for return to past Middlesbrough form
Travers hasn't had the gametime he was hoping for since joining Everton for an initial £4million fee last summer, as he has been unable to dislodge Jordan Pickford as number one.
The England international is one of the most established starters in the Premier League at the moment, and his understudy has been forced to consider his options elsewhere.
Football Insider revealed earlier in July that Wrexham were hugely interested in signing Travers this summer, while Coventry were also prepared to offer him the chance to stay in the Premier League.
However, it is now Middlesbrough who have come to the fore, and are currently in ongoing discussions with Everton.
If a deal goes through, the shot-stopper will be hoping for a return to the form that saw him keep four clean sheets from just 17 games for Boro in his last stint.
Travers also recorded an impressive save percentage of over 76 per cent the last time he was with Boro, alongside an eye-catching goals prevented tally of 3.44.
Top Middlesbrough rival faces FA ban
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider earlier this week that Southampton manager Tonda Eckert is likely to face a six-game ban from the FA.
The Saints boss spied on Middlesbrough ahead of their play-off semi-final last season, and has now been charged with misconduct by the FA.
Hackett believes that the 33-year-old is now likely to miss the entire first month of the Championship season, as we await the governing body's punishment.
Southampton are likely to be one of Middlesbrough's main rivals in the promotion race once again, and Eckert has outlined himself as a hugely unpopular figure on Teeside.