Following their side’s opening day home defeat to Cardiff City, it has been reported that Burton Albion are closing in on the loan signing of Middlesbrough keeper Connor Ripley as the Brewers look to improve their squad ahead of what is set to be a long and difficult season.

The 24-year-old is held in extremely high regard at the Riverside Stadium, but will leave on loan despite having recently signed a new deal with the north eastern club.

Burton will gain from Boro’s loss if they can get the deal over the line, and Ripley will surely become the new number one at the Pirelli for the season.

Middlesbrough’s season got off to a disappointing start following defeat at Wolves, but boss Garry Monk will remain confident in his side’s ability to secure an automatic return to the Premier League this season.

By allowing Ripley to leave the club on loan, Monk is building for the future, and Ripley will return to Teesside ready to compete for the number one jersey next season.

At Burton, Ripley will be thrown into the deep end and severely tested, and his performances could determine whether or not the Brewers survive another year of Championship football.

His year has the potential to harbour comparisons with Jordan Pickford’s season with Sunderland last year.

The 23-year-old proved himself a fantastic goalkeeper simply due to his side being outclassed on a consistent basis, and goalkeepers are given the chance to shine when consistently under the cosh.

Ripley will experience this in his Burton move, and although the Staffordshire club have enough about them to stay up, it’s going to be very close.

The player will return to Boro in a much better place, and fans can expect to see his name on the team sheet in the coming seasons.