Chelsea’s Bamford set to complete Middlesbrough move

Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford is in advanced talks with Middlesbrough over a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at Burnley at the weekend to allow the deal to go through.

Middlesbrough have been keen to re-sign Bamford since his loan spell there in the 2014-15 season, when his 17 goals helped them reach the Championship play-off final.

His attempts at cracking the Premier League – with Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley – have been less successful, with no goals in 19 top-flight appearances.

Bamford has never played for Chelsea’s first team since signing from Nottingham Forest on a five-year deal in 2012.

He was farmed out to MK Dons and Derby before finding his feet at the Riverside Stadium.

His last appearance for Burnley came in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on January 2, when he was brought on for the final two minutes.