According to Ben Jacobs Middlesbrough have moved late to hijack Birmingham City’s pursuit of Jeremy Sarmiento, with the Championship promotion hopefuls now closing in on the Brighton winger.
After appearing to pull out of the race just 24 hours ago, with Birmingham believed to be on the verge of completing the signing, Middlesbrough have re-entered negotiations and verbally agreed a fee in the region of £3.5 million with Brighton. Terms have also been agreed with the player, pending final approvals.
If all goes to plan, Sarmiento is expected to undergo his medicals later this week, confirming a sharp turnaround that has geared momentum decisively in Middlesbrough favour.
The Ecuadorian international is currently on loan at Cremonese, where minutes have been hard to come by, which has prompted Brighton to consider recalling him to facilitate a permanent sale. The Seagulls are understood to be keen on cashing in, having originally signed Sarmiento for under £500,000.
Sarmiento is no stranger to the Championship, having previously featured for Burnley and West Bromwich Albion. His experience in England’s second tier is seen as a major plus as Boro push for promotion.
The North East club currently sit third in the Championship, firmly in the race for a Premier League return, while Birmingham find themselves in mid-table, five points adrift of the play-off places.
Brighton, meanwhile, stand to make a reasonable profit whichever way the deal concludes, with Middlesbrough now in pole position to seal the deal.
All eyes are now on the final approvals and Sarmiento’s decision, as one of the window’s more competitive deals edges closer to completion.
