Sources: Middlesbrough line up move for Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu after green light
Middlesbrough are plotting a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu, sources have told Football Insider.
Boro boss Chris Wilder is keen to add a defensive midfielder before the close of the transfer window.
The Championship club have been given encouragement Chelsea are willing to loan out Ampadu, 21, as he is well down their pecking order.
Wilder worked with the Wales international when he had a spell at Sheffield United during the 2020-21 campaign.
The Chelsea youngster made his senior debut for the club in 2017 but has spent the last three seasons out on loan.
Ampadu spent the 2021-22 campaign at Italian side Venezia, making 30 appearances across all competitions as they suffered relegation from Serie A.
The 36-cap ace signed a fresh three-year deal at Stamford Bridge prior to his temporary exit, keeping him with the club until June 2024.
However, the versatile ace hasn't managed to break through into the senior squad under Thomas Tuchel despite featuring during pre-season.
The 21-year-old has been warned by Wales boss Robert Page that he needs to "address" his lack of game time ahead of the World Cup - which gets underway in November.
Ampadu, who can play in defensive midfield, centre-back, and full-back, made 29 appearances under Wilder for Sheffield United in the Premier League in the 2020-21 campaign.
Middlesbrough have been busy in the transfer market following their dismal start to the new campaign - which sees them lying 23rd after five games.
The Teessiders, who have added 10 new faces this summer, have completed the signings of Rodrigo Muniz and Matt Clarke in the last week.