Boro have already been told what 'tough character' transfer target will bring to promotion push

Middlesbrough transfer target Aidan Morris has been hailed as 'tough character' and backed to rise to the challenge of the Championship. The Teessiders are closing in on a £3m deal for the USA international, with an agreement with MLS side Columbus Crew said to be imminent.

The 22-year-old has reportedly left the USA's U23 training camp for talks with Boro representatives and looks set to follow Luke Ayling as the second signing of the summer transfer window. Morris will offer some valuable energy to the Boro midfield. He has been capped five times by his country and has already clocked up more than 100 appearances for Columbus Crew.

Boro have tracked the youngster for 18 months and look to have finally got their man. His progress has also been closely monitored by former USMNT coach Anthony Hudson who handed him his full international debut last year after working with the midfielder at Under-20 level.

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Speaking after a 1-1 draw with Mexico in 2023, Hudson praised Morris' contribution and hinted at the key attributes which will benefit Boro and Michael Carrick should the deal ne finalised.

"I was so pleased for Aidan Morris," Hudson said. "I thought Aidan was fantastic. I’ve known Aidan since he was with the (U-20 team) and followed him ever since. He’s a young man that just keeps stepping up.

"Whatever challenge is put in front of him, he’s always going to step up to it. He’s a tough, tough, tough character. I was pleased with Aidan.”

Those words will no doubt be no surprised to Carrick and Co who have long held an interest in the hot prospect, but underline just why they have been so keen to bring him to Teesside. Morris is expected to play a final farewell game for Columbus Crew before joining up with Boro for pre-season.