'Boro keen on 22-year-old Bulgarian'

Middlesbrough FC are interested in the signing of promising 22-year-old Bulgarian from CSKA Sofia.

Middlesbrough FC, Aston Villa and Cardiff City are keen to secure the services of £5 million-rated Kiril Despodov from CSKA Sofia, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The promising attacking prospect, 22, can play as a winger or forward and has reportedly caught the eye of several clubs.

Despodov has been impressive for CSKA Sofia, who play in Bulgarian's top division, having scored 8 times in 16 appearances. He picked up the Bulgarian Youth Footballer of the Year award in 2017 and has continued his fine form since then.

At an international level Despodov scored in Bulgaria's 2-1 win over Cyprus in the UEFA Nations League Group C3, having started as a left winger.

Boro boss, Tony Pulis, has reiterated that he's keen to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, "we want to make the squad better and bring in the players we need" he said.

"The chairman has always backed his manager at this club but the important thing is that we try to spend the money we have in a good way, make good investments. We have had more loans than signings since I came in, we have worked on the loan market."