Patrick Bamford is closing in on a return to Middlesbrough

Patrick Bamford is undergoing a medical at Middlesbrough ahead of a move from Chelsea, according to Sky sources.

Sky Sports News HQ reported on Monday that the 23-year-old was in advanced talks over a proposed switch to the Riverside.

Patrick Bamford arrives at Middlesbrough's training ground as the club look to finalise the striker's move from Chelsea Patrick Bamford arrives at Middlesbrough's training ground as the club look to finalise the striker's move from Chelsea

Bamford spent the first half of the season on loan at Burnley, but failed to establish himself as a first-team regular under Sean Dyche and was recalled by Chelsea last weekend.

The former England under-21 international scored 19 goals in 44 appearances while on loan at Boro during the 2014-15 campaign.

Middlesbrough have struggled in front of goal since earning promotion back to the Premier League last season, scoring just 17 goals from their 21 matches.

Bamford featured just six times while on loan at Burnley

The arrival of Bamford could pave the way for Jordan Rhodes to leave Middlesbrough with a number of Sky Bet Championship clubs reportedly keen on the Scotland forward.

Rhodes, who joined Boro from Blackburn Rovers in February 2016, has featured only six times for Aitor Karanka's side this season.