Middlesbrough have started this season in rude health and look very good to challenge for the promotion spots in the Championship.

Boro have got power and quality across the pitch and few probably predicted at the start of the season that they wouldn't at least finish in the top six.

Certainly, then, things are going well at the Riverside and fans should be pretty satisfied about the latest transfer rumour doing the rounds concerning Joel Ward.

The defender looks set to play a bit-part at Crystal Palace this season and could well be up for a move to Teesside.

Indeed, yesterday's printed Sun reckons that the Riverside outfit is keen on the Eagles' defender and the player would surely add some extra experience and reliability to an already strong backline.

Despite the loss of Ben Gibson, Boro's defence is still looking capable of keeping plenty of shutouts this season.

Indeed, under Pulis they know it's defend first and then let the others do the attacking and Ward would happily buy into that.

He doesn't get forward as often as his replacement Aaron Wan-Bissaka but provides good defensive cover at right-back and is often in position when opposing players are coming forwards.

Perhaps it's not the most exciting potential signing to ever be discussed but Boro fans should be pleased if he does come in.

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