Middlesbrough are on the verge of completing the signing of Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker, according to The Northern Echo.

Middlesbrough are set to sign Lewis Baker on a two year loan deal from the Blues.

However, there is also a departure imminent: Marten de Roon is set to leave Boro and join Atalanta.

Marten de Roon was one of Boro's top performers in the Premier League after joining last summer from Atalanta.

Garry Monk saw the once-capped Holland international as a major part of his plans for this season but is now preparing for life without the deep lying central midfielder.

The Dutchman is set to re-sign for Atalanta, who finished 4th in Serie A last season and have qualified for the Europa League.

A bid of €15m has been accepted by Middlesbrough and the 26-year-old is close to completing his exit.

However, Boro have acted quickly to bring in reinforcements in the middle of the park with Lewis Baker close to joining.

The 22-year-old spent the last two seasons on loan at Vitesse and now he is set for a Championship loan spell.

The England under-21 international has also previously had loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Milton Keynes.

Chelsea are ready to loan out Lewis Baker again and Boro are expected to sign him for two years.

The Verdict

This seems like an odd move on Chelsea's part; it is unclear whether Baker will be getting one or two years in the Championship (depending on whether Boro are promoted) and he will be 24 when he returns.

However, Boro have secured a coup here.

Lewis Baker stands out for England's under-21 team in a midfield which includes Will Hughes, John Swift, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathaniel Chalobah annd more.

Losing Marten de Roon is a big blow but they have cover in that position (Forshaw, Clayton and Leadbitter) while Baker and Howson have license to roam a bit further forward in central midfield.

Boro fans - What do you make of the de Roon departure? Is the price right? Are you pleased by this Lewis Baker news? Let us know below...