Middlesbrough have recently registered their interest in signing Saint-Étienne defender Harold Moukoudi according to a report from L'Equipe. 

The report claims that Jonathan Woodgate's side have won the race to land his signature before the January transfer window concludes on Friday.

Moukoudi is currently with Saint-Étienne, but has struggled for consistent game time this season, which has led to him being linked with a move elsewhere this month.

In total, the defender has made 16 appearances in all competitions, and will be hoping that he can hit the ground running at the Riverside.

It had previously been claimed by L'Equipe, that Leeds were also interested in signing Moukoudi on loan for the remainder of this year's campaign, so it's Middlesbrough will be pleased to get this deal over the line when it is confirmed.

The 22-year-old started his senior career with Le Havre II, before forcing his way into the Le Havre first team, where he went on to make 63 appearances across a three-year spell with the club.

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Moukoudi then moved to Saint-Étienne in 2019, but his move to the French side hasn't gone as originally hoped for, as he has struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI.

Saint-Étienne are currently sat 15th in the Ligue 1 table, and are seemingly keen to loan out Moukoudi for the remainder of the season to further his development.

Middlesbrough have shown real improvement in the Championship, which will be pleasing to see after a dismal first-half of this year's campaign saw them firmly in a relegation battle.

Jonathan Woodgate's side could certainly benefit from additional depth in their defence, with Daniel Ayala being ruled out of action through injury. 

Boro will be hoping that they can get a deal over the line for Moukoudi in the near future, with the January transfer window slamming shut on Friday at 11pm.