Last Updated: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:22
Middlesbrough appear to be closing in on a deal to sign Hull City's out of favour midfielder Bryan Hughes.
The 33-year-old hardly featured last season for Phil Brown's side, making just one start and he looks almost certain to leave over the summer as the Tigers boss frees up space in his squad.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate is keen to add experience to his squad ahead of the new Championship season and sources suggest Hughes is a target if he can offload some of his higher earners over the summer.
While Hughes has a year remaining on his contract at the KC Stadium it is understood he would be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.