Championship side Middlesbrough have become the latest team to take an interest in Kilmarnock right-back Stephen O'Donnell, according to a report by The Daily Record via The Daily Mail.

O'Donnell joined Kilmarnock from 'Boro's Championship rivals Luton Town - who at the time were still a League Two side - in the summer of 2017, and has since gone onto make 99 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish club, scoring six goals, and earning 11 international caps for Scotland since his move north of the border.

The 27-year-old's contract at Rugby Park is set to expire at the end of this season, something which is thought to have alerted a number of sides to the defender, including Middlesbrough.

Jonathan Woodgate's side have endured a difficult start to the Championship season, meaning they may be tempted to strengthen their squad in the summer with the acquisition of a player such as O'Donnell.

It was reported during the summer transfer window that Scottish champions Celtic were interested in the right-back, although no move materialised for the defender, with the Glasgow club instead signing Hatem Abd Elhamed to cover their right-back position.

The Verdict

This may not be a bad signing for Middlesbrough.

It has been a tough start to the campaign for Woodgate's side, who have often looked vulnerable in defence this season.

Bringing in a player such as O'Donnell could help them to solve that issue, when you look at the impact he has made during his time at Kilmarnock - as highlighted by his Scotland call-ups.

With O'Donnell also approaching the end of his contract at Rugby Park, it does seem as though this may not be a transfer that will be as expensive as it could have been for 'Boro, thus reducing the potential financial risk of this move.

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