EXCLUSIVE by Pete O’Rourke

Leeds United have agreed a fee of £6.75million for Middlesbrough forward Patrick Bamford, Football Insider sources understands.

Leeds have made their move for Bamford after growing frustrated in their attempts to sign Derby County striker Matej Vydra.

New Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer ahead of the new season and he sees Bamford as someone who is key to his plans as he is proven atBamford won the Championship Player of the Year award during his first spell at Middlesbrough in the 2014/15 season when he scored 17 goals for the club.

Bamford, who joined Middlesbrough on a permanent basis from Chelsea 18 months ago, scored 11 goals last season despite being in and out of the team.

Leeds’ current director of football Victor Orta signed Bamford when he was in a similar role at Middlesbrough and he is a big fan of the former England Under-21 international.

Middlesbrough have decided to cash-in on Bamford as they are planning to play with just a lone striker in Tony Pulis’ formation next season.