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Leeds & Aston Villa rival Middlesbrough for Championship international full back

The Middlesbrough Evening Gazette understands that Middlesbrough face competition from three other clubs for Reading full back Chris Gunter. In addition to Premier League side Swansea City, Sky Bet Championship rivals Aston Villa and Leeds United are also keen on the Welsh international.

Newly appointed Middlesbrough head coach Garry Monk is hoping to get a deal over the line prior to Sunday, which is when they depart to Portugal for some pre-season warm weather training. However, the fact they have other clubs, including one from a higher level, also keen on a deal, certainly puts a spanner in the works with their quest to sign Gunter.

It is believed that the 27-year-old has a £1million buyout clause in his deal. If any club meets this, then he is free to discuss a move. Royals boss Jaap Stam is understandably keen to retain one of his most effective and experienced players at the club, but his hands are tied in one sense.

Although Swansea are keen on a deal, and could bring Gunter back to his native Wales, the former Cardiff City man would face big competition for a place in Paul Clement’s starting eleven. Kyle Naughton signed a new contract extension today.

Antonio Barragan is set to leave Middlesbrough this summer following relegation, meaning that there is soon set to be a vacancy for a right back. That alone would give Gunter a great chance of starting at the Riverside Stadium and playing regularly. The addition of John Terry at Aston Villa could sway players from the outside that Villa Park is the place to be. A new right back has been a priority for Steve Bruce for a while now. As for Leeds, new manager Thomas Christiansen is looking to stamp his own authority on the team he has inherited. Gunter would be an excellent signing for any Championship club.

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