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Rangers close in on loan deal for Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers transfer target The latest transfer talk from Middlesbrough as one reported Boro target looks set to join Scottish giants Rangers. Scottish giants Rangers are reportedly closing in on the signing of a defender that was linked with moves to Middlesbrough and Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers over the last month. Despite the loss of club captain and talisman Hayden Hackney to Premier League club Everton last month, Boro have enjoyed a positive summer with the signings of free agent Myles Peart-Harris, Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, United States internationals Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter and strike duo Will Lankshear and Kyle Joseph. There was also a permanent deal for Brighton and Hove Albion winger Jeremy Sarmiento after the 24-times capped Ecuador international made 20 appearances during a half-season loan spell at the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough are working to secure a deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Ash Phillips and there have been reports suggesting former Livingston star James Penrice was another potential signing on their radar as they look to strengthen Kim Hellberg’s options at full-back. The former Hearts star joined Greek club AEK Athens in a £1.75m move last summer and made 33 appearances in all competitions during what could be his first and only season at the Allwyn Arena as his side reached the quarter-final of the Europa Conference League and were crowned as Greek Super League champions. However, a report from TeamTalk released last month suggested Boro had identified Penrice as a potential addition during the summer transfer window and stated he was one of two options to strengthen their left-hand side. Blackburn were also said to be keen on the 27-year-old - although Boro’s interest has since waned after they completed the signing of Columbus Crew’s Max Arfsten. Penrice now looks set to return to Scotland after transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Rangers had agreed a loan deal for the full-back and stated a medical will take place in Glasgow on Monday as he moves a step closer to becoming the latest new addition to Derek McInnes’ squad. He posted an update on X on Thursday evening, saying: “ Exclusive: Rangers agree deal to sign James Penrice from AEK Athens on loan with buy option clause. Medical booked on Friday.” Your next Middlesbrough read: Kim Hellberg delivers Middlesbrough transfer message ahead of Lincoln City test