Britt backed for Golden Boot following Boro bid

BRITT ASSOMBALONGA could be the next man to join Middlesbrough after reports suggested the Nottingham Forest striker has agreed a deal to move to the Riverside.

Assombalonga was popular following the news to finish as the Sky Bet Championship’s top goalscorer with Hills now best at 10-1 for the 24-year-old to finish as the Golden Boot winner.

Boro have reportedly agreed to pay £14m for Assombalonga’s services and a medical is expected after the relegated club outbid top-flight outfits Burnley and Watford.

Assombalonga scored 14 goals for struggling Forest last term from 32 appearances and will expect to beat that tally should he join Garry Monk’s squad.

Monk’s men are favourites with some bookmakers to win a wide-open Championship, but Aston Villa are the market leaders at 8-1 from Boro, who are 9-1 with 188Bet.

Hills are 11-4 that Monk leads Boro back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Bolton, who can be backed at 13-5 to be relegated from the Championship, boosted their squad with the arrival of Newcastle’s Adam Armstrong on loan until January.

Ike Ugbo, who has been prolific for Chelsea’s youth teams, has joined Barnsley on a season-long loan deal. The Tykes are 2-1 to be relegated from the Championship.

Ronald Koeman has continued to reshape his Everton squad with the signing of right-back Cuco Martina on a free transfer from his former club Southampton.

West Brom have signed centre-back Ahmed Hegazi on a season-long loan from Al-Ahly, while Reading goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi has left to join Al-Hilal.

Norwich have accepted a £12m bid from Newcastle for Jacob Murphy.

Tom Nichols has left Peterborough to join third-tier rivals Bristol Rovers.