According to The Northern Echo, Middlesbrough’s club captain Grant Leadbitter is on the radar of Championship duo Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers, as well as the potential return to League One side Sunderland.
The Boro number seven is apparently allowed to leave Middlesbrough if the club’s valuation of the midfielder is met, and according to the report, Sunderland manager Jack Ross is monitoring the situation.
Leadbitter came through the academy at the Stadium of Light, and played for his boyhood club over 100 times between 2003 and 2009, and could look to return to his home town to play out the remaining years of his career.
However, the 33-year old has been generating interest from fellow-Championship clubs, with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers looking to bolster their midfield options, with Leadbitter a possible target.
His experience in both the Premier League and the Championship means he could be a good asset to any club. He captained the Middlesbrough side to promotion as they achieved a second-placed finish in 2016.
Leadbitter is one of four players reportedly allowed to leave the club this month, with Tony Pulis willing to listen to offers for Ashley Fletcher, Rudy Gestede and club record signing Britt Assombalonga.
Middlesbrough are hoping to add to their side this transfer window, having already signed Rajiv van La Parra from Huddersfield, and are on the verge of confirming a deal for seasoned veteran John Obi Mikel, who will replace the experience left by Leadbitter if he does depart Teesside before the January 31st deadline.
