Middlesbrough promotion rivals close in on second Premier League transfer swoop

Just a day after confirming the signing of 54-time England international and La Liga winner Kieran Trippier, Wolves are in advanced talks to bring former star Raúl Jiménez back to Molineux.

Jiménez’s contract at Fulham expires at the end of the month, with Rob Edwards’ side in pole position to sign the Mexican striker - in their bid to bounce straight back up to the top flight.

During his five-year stint at Molineux – including a season-long loan in 2018/19 - Jimenez racked up 40 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League.

Jimenez is currently preparing for his country's World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday night, but is said to be close to agreeing terms with Wolves.

Trippier's move was confirmed on Monday after he left Newcastle United at the end of the season. The ex-England star signinged a two-year deal under former Boro manager Rob Edwards.

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Last week, Blackburn Rovers confirmed the return of former Boro boss Tony Mowbray as head coach, replacing Michael O’Neill. The 62-year-old was manager at Ewood Park between 2017 and 2022, and will hope to improve on the Rovers’ 20th-placed league finish this season. But the head coach admitted his side won’t be big spenders this summer.

Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph: “My view is we need to use this group of players and if there’s scope of adding one or two - but there’s not bundles of cash to spend.

“I think the fans and I know that, but my job ultimately is as we move forward to create a pathway so that we can buy footballers so whether we sell to buy or whether the academy comes along and something special comes out of it.”

Derby County will have to battle West Ham United for the permanent singing of midfielder Bobby Clark from Austrian side RB Salzburg.

The 21-year-old, son of Hartlepool United manager Lee Clark, enjoyed a successful loan spell with Derby last season, contributing three goals and three assists in 42 Championship matches as John Eustace’s side missed out on a play-off spot by just four points.

The Hammers provide stiff competition for the Rams to secure the promising youngster and – according to Derbyshire Live - at least six clubs around the world are interested in a move.

According to reports in Italy, Burnley forward Luca Koleosho is on the radar of Serie A clubs Fiorentina and Bologna. The 21-year-old started this season on loan at Espanyol, but the deal was terminated after only three substitute appearances.

Koleosho spent the second half of the campaign at Paris FC, contributing to four goals in 16 Ligue 1 games. While the French side hold a buy-option in the loan deal, no official decision has been made yet.

Lincoln City sporting director Jez George has said the Imps will “undoubtedly” break their transfer record in preparation for their first second-tier season since 1961.

The League One champions’ current record signing is midfielder Ivan Varfolomeev, who they bought for £350,000 last summer from Czech club Slovan Liberec.

"We will undoubtedly break our transfer record this summer and we may do that on a multiple number of occasions, but they will only be done if it stacks up in terms of value, affordability and the player being ready to contribute immediately into the league,” George told BBC Lincolnshire.