Middlesbrough are battling Watford for Sporting Gijon defender Bernardo Espinosa.

The Colombian centre-back has been followed by Watford and Everton and was offered a deal by Bournemouth, says the Mail on Sunday.

However, he is keen to link up with Boro's Spanish manager Aitor Karanka and talks are underway.

One hold up though could be his recovery from a knee injury which is expected to rule him out until August.