Middlesbrough weighing up move to sign Chelsea player | OneFootball

Right-back is an area that Rob Edwards is clearly looking to strengthen.

Alfie Gilchrist is once again the subject of transfer interest, with Middlesbrough reported to be among the teams keen on signing the Chelsea defender.

At 21, Gilchrist got his first move away from his parent club last summer.

He joined Chris Wilder's Sheffield United on a season-long loan in which he largely impressed, making up a resolute defence that was one of the best in the second division.

A consistent member of the starting XI, the right-back helped the Blades stay on course for promotion back to the Premier League. That was until he suffered an ankle injury in late February that threw his season right off course. After that, he struggled to regain momentum and only appeared twice after picking up the knock before his spell at Bramall Lane came to an end.

The signs were clear though. Gilchrist is certainly capable of playing in an upper-echelon outfit in the Championship. Boro, who have promotion aspirations, are looking to add the Chelsea academy products quality to Rob Edwards' side ahead of his first season in charge at the Riverside Stadium.

Alfie Gilchrist wanted by Middlesbrough

According to Sky Sports, the Teessiders aren't the only club looking to bring in Gilchrist this summer. But they aren't bound to the idea of signing the 21-year-old as they also have another player in his position in their sights.

Blackburn Rovers defender Callum Brittain is the subject of a battle between Boro and Derby County. They are trying to lure the 27-year-old over to the northeast amid competition from his former boss, John Eustace.

Valerien Ismael has conceded that the defender is likely to leave Ewood Park after he refused to play against Accrington Stanley in Rovers' most recent pre-season friendly. He confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph that they have made an offer to Brittain, who is in the final year of his deal.

The outlet added that Boro are "winning the race" for a player that Ismael previously described as one of the best in the league.

Middlesbrough must get at least one right-back deal done this summer

It's been nearly three weeks since Edwards was brought in as the successor to Michael Carrick and he is still yet to see a new face come through the door.

Right-back is a position that they have to improve on this summer. 33-year-old Luke Ayling is the Welshman's only option at this point, which won't fill him or the club's supporters with lots of confidence.

Having both Brittain and Gilchrist as potential additions is something to get excited about for the Boro faithful. They're two players that can clearly operate at this level and would instantly improve the team. Now it's about getting a deal for one of them over the line.