Stoke City are interested in signing Middlesbrough defender George Friend in the January transfer window, according to The Northern Echo.

The 32-year-old has been an important player for Middlesbrough over the past few seasons and has made nearly 300 appearances for the club.

The Northern Echo report that Stoke are lining up a formal approach for Friend in January, with new manager Michael O'Neill looking to boost his defensive options after taking charge at the Bet365 Stadium last week.

The report states that Middlesbrough would be reluctant to lose Friend, although the defender is out of contract at the Riverside Stadium at the end of the season.

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Friend has struggled with injury problems for Middlesbrough so far this season, but he returned to the side for the 2-2 draw at QPR at the weekend. He made 38 league appearances last term, as Boro just missed out on the play-offs.

Stoke's 4-2 win over Barnsley at the weekend has seen them climb to 23rd in the Championship table, they are now just one place and two points behind Middlesbrough, who have made a poor start to the campaign under Jonathan Woodgate.

The Verdict

This would be a smart signing from Stoke. Friend is a great defender, a leader on the pitch and he's got plenty of experience in the Championship.

He can play at left-back, centre-back or as part of a back three, so his versatility would make him a very useful option for O'Neill to have in his squad.

Middlesbrough will be reluctant to lose their captain, but with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, there's a chance that Stoke could lure him away from the Riverside Stadium.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.