Middlesbrough set to beat Watford to AFC Bournemouth transfer swoop | OneFootball

Boro are now poised to beat the Hornets in the race to sign Mark Travers, who has done well when he has played this season.

Middlesbrough are closing in on a loan deal for AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers.

According to Football Insider, Boro are set to beat Watford to his signature, with Michael Carrick now poised to strengthen his shot-stopper department.

The Teesside outfit are yet to make a signing during this January transfer window - and plenty of their supporters are looking more at who could potentially leave the Riverside before the deadline passes.

Emmanuel Latte Lath has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in recent times - and loanee Ben Doak's future has been the subject of speculation.

However, their goalkeeping department could benefit from being addressed, with Sol Brynn spending a considerable amount of time on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Seny Dieng has also spent time on the sidelines in recent times, and although he has returned, it looks as though the Teesside club is fully intent on strengthening this area before the window closes, as they look to push for a top-six finish.

Middlesbrough set to win Mark Travers race

Boro and the Hornets were both believed to be interested in a move for Travers earlier in the window.

Tom Cleverley's side are in need of strengthening their goalkeeping department, following Dan Bachmann's injury.

But it's Carrick's men who are set to come out on top in this race, according to Football Insider, with the club now in advanced talks to recruit the Irishman.

Travers has spent much of the campaign on the bench at the Vitality Stadium, and with the stopper remaining behind Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order, it looks as though the Cherries are set to sanction a loan move for the player.

Mark Travers could be a shrewd addition for Middlesbrough

Travers already has experience of winning promotion before, which could help Boro in their own Premier League quest.

The Irishman will also want to play regularly and compete at the top level in the coming months and years, either with Bournemouth or another team, so he won't be short of motivation to do well.

That can only be a good thing for Boro, who will need individuals to step up if they want to give themselves the best chance of a top-flight return.

Travers has been fairly solid when Bournemouth have needed him this season, which is a promising sign for Boro.

And he could turn out to be a real asset, especially with other stoppers, including Dieng and Glover, able to keep him on his toes.