Bournemouth's Mark Travers 'set to join' Middlesbrough on loan: Will Boro have a buy option?

Travers has been restricted to just five Premier League appearances this season, having had to settle for a backup role to Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga.

While he is well-regarded at the Vitality Stadium, Travers has been linked with a move away in a bid to gain regular game time.

The Republic of Ireland international now appears to be on the verge of joining Middlesbrough before Monday's transfer deadline.

Middlesbrough agree Travers loan deal

According to journalist Alex Crook, Middlesbrough are agree a deal with Bournemouth to take Travers on loan at the end of the season.

The Championship club will pay the majority of the goalkeeper's wages, although they will not have the option to make the move permanent.

Travers is expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday before he is unveiled as the fourth addition of the winter transfer window following the arrivals of Morgan Whittaker, George Edmundson and Ryan Giles.

The shot-stopper will strengthen a goalkeeping department which has been weakened by injuries to Sol Brynn and Seny Dieng.

Middlesbrough are currently battling for a playoff place, with Michael Carrick's side sitting in sixth position in the Championship table.

Could Travers's departure lead to a new arrival?

Travers's imminent departure would leave Kepa Arrizabalaga as the only fit goalkeeper in the senior side, with third-choice shot-stopper Will Dennis currently sidelined through injury.

As a result, Bournemouth's decision to sanction Travers's loan exit suggests that the club will either sign a new goalkeeper or bring back one of their current loanees.

The experienced Neto is in the middle of a temporary spell with Arsenal, while Alex Paulsen is on loan at A-League side Auckland FC.

The other option is for Andoni Iraola to call up a young goalkeeper from Bournemouth's Under-21 side ahead of Saturday's home meeting with Premier League leaders Portsmouth.

Written by

Ben Sully