Middlesbrough have agreed a fee with Blackpool to sign highly-rated left-back Marc Bola, according to Football Insider.

The 21-year-old has been given permission to hold talks with Middlesbrough and to undergo a medical at the club ahead of a potential transfer.

Bola joined Blackpool on a free transfer last summer after he was released by Arsenal and went on to become a key player for the Seasiders last term, scoring two goals in 43 appearances in all competitions.

A number of Championship clubs had expressed an interest in the full-back this summer, but Middlesbrough are now the favourites to sign him after agreeing a deal with Blackpool.

Middlesbrough will be hoping to challenge for promotion from the Championship this season under new head coach Jonathan Woodgate, after just missing out on the play-offs under Tony Pulis last season.

Woodgate took charge at the Riverside Stadium last month, following the club's decision not to renew Pulis' contract.

The Verdict

This could be a great signing for Middlesbrough. Bola is a talented young player and he wouldn't have been at a club like Arsenal unless he had the potential to be something special.

He's an exiting player, who is very good going forward as well as defending, so he should suit the new style of football that Woodgate is trying to bring to the Riverside.

He was a key player for Blackpool last season and will still be determined to prove himself following his release by Arsenal.

I think he's capable of making the step up to the Championship and an experienced former defender like Woodgate should be able to get the best out of him.