Middlesbrough are stepping up their efforts to complete a deal for Jeremy Sarmiento, with head coach Kim Hellberg indicating the forward could make an immediate impact on the first-team squad.
Boro had appeared to cool their interest in the Brighton attacker earlier in the week after talks with the Premier League club seemed to stall.
However, with reports emerging that Birmingham City were close to hijacking the move, Middlesbrough returned to the negotiating table and are now believed to have agreed a £3.2 million fee to sign the 23-year-old on a permanent basis.
Sarmiento is reportedly eager to make the switch to the Riverside Stadium, having already experienced Championship promotion spells with both Ipswich Town and Burnley. While progress has been made, there are still a few details to resolve before the deal can be finalised.
Speaking after the match, Hellberg remained cautious when questioned on the transfer but acknowledged the club’s desire to strengthen.
“I actually don’t know,” Hellberg said. “We’re trying to look at what’s best for the club and how we can improve the squad.
It’s always a balance between thinking about now or the future. It was good to see Leo [Castledine] today — he did well for 45 minutes and needed those minutes.
“Now we’re looking at whether we can strengthen further. Specific names are difficult to talk about at this stage because things can change quickly, so I won’t say too much.”
Despite his guarded comments, Hellberg is understood to be keen on bringing Sarmiento to Teesside.
His interest dates back to his time managing Hammarby, when he closely followed Brighton under former head coach Roberto De Zerbi, whom he has previously described as an influence.
“I know him,” Hellberg added. “He’s played for Brighton and I watched several of their Premier League games when De Zerbi was there. I’ve seen him — he’s a good player.”
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