Middlesbrough youngster Harry Chapman is nearing a loan move to recently-relegated League 1 outfit Blackburn Rovers, according to the Teesside Gazette. 

The hot prospect is highly-rated at the Riverside, having played a part in pre-season, but was not given a first-team squad number when Boro released their full list this week, making it clear that Garry Monk feels that the winger's development would be better served by a temporary spell elsewhere.

The report suggests that former Boro manager Tony Mowbray, who is now in charge of the rebuilding job at Ewood Park, is interested in a move for Chapman, which is now in its advanced stages and the 19-year-old could be a Rovers player before this weekend's big Football League kick off, which Mowbray's men mark on the opening day of the season with a trip to Phil Brown's Southend United side.

Chapman has represented England at youth level - he has 2 caps for the Three Lions' Under 18 side, while he made his debut for England Under 20s in 2016, and is another product of the famed Boro youth academy.

The English forward has spent time out on loan in League 1 on two previous occasions, during spells with Yorkshire outfits Barnsley and Sheffield United, scoring a league goal apiece for both clubs.

He has also impressed in Premier League 2 football, making 24 appearances in the competition, netting twice and laying on eleven assists for team mates.

The Verdict: 

Chapman is undoubtedly a hot prospect and it is something of a shame that new Boro boss Garry Monk cannot find a place for the hotshot in his upwardly mobile, ambitious squad.

However, Blackburn should make the most of Monk's decision, adding creativity and versatility to the Rovers attack, as they seek to make an instant return to the second tier.

Boro fans - would you like to keep hold of Chapman? Or is a season away from the club just what he needs? Let us know in the comments below...