Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has conceded defeat in the pursuit of Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford.

The 21-year-old scored 19 goals for Boro during his loan last season and won the Championship Player of the Year award.

Boro were said to be interested in another temporary deal but Karanka has revealed that the forward will likely play for a top-flight team next season rather than in the second tier.

He told the Gazette: "I don't think Patrick's coming because he showed everybody last season that he can play in the Premier League and I am sure he has offers to play in the Premier League, he has offers to play in other countries because he is a very good player."