We Are Middlesbrough

Ipswich defender George Edmundson will undergo a medical at Middlesbrough ahead of a £2.5m move today. (Talksport, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column.

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough have won the race to sign highly-rated non-league starlet Brayden Johnson.

The 18-year-old midfielder has caught the eye in 22 appearances for Eastbourne Borough in National League South this season.

The Londoner reportedly received interest from Premier League West Ham and Ipswich and Championship side QPR, but has now signed his first professional deal at the Riverside., external

Fleet-footed Johnson will link-up with Mark Tinkler's Under-21 side.

"It wasn't bad was it...? No keeper was saving that," Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney tells the Red Alert podcast after team-mate Ben Doak curls home their second goal for a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

BBC Radio Tees' Paul Addison is joined by former Middlesbrough midfielder Neil Maddison and Boro fan Dana Malt as they react to a big three points against fellow play-off contenders.

Plus post-match interviews with Hackney and boss Michael Carrick.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick described his side's first win in four games as a "good step" in the right direction after beating Tony Mowbray's West Bromwich Albion 2-0 at the Riverside.

"When you have a sticky run, it's all about getting the win," he told BBC Radio Tees. "The fact that we kept a clean sheet too was great.

"There's loads of football to be played this season. We hadn't felt any pressure. Why do we need to be 'glass half-empty' all the time?

"It was an important win for us. We played some really good football. They were two fantastic goals - both of them, for different sort of reasons.

"We had to defend a little deeper in the second half but we did it well. And we controlled it, against a really good team with good players.

"First half we were very good with the ball. We controlled it for large bits, played some really good football and caused some problems playing through them, getting around the box.

"There was a natural feeling maybe of the boys being desperate for a win and clean sheet. But I'm really pleased with a win, it's a good step for us.

"Hayden Hackney's goal was probably a little bit too far out. It's something where you think 'maybe not!' Ben Doak's was terrific, probably a little bit more predictable in terms of the distance, But the way he came inside, I fancied him to shoot and take it on.

"We definitely encourage the boys to express themselves. There's a part of their decision making and taking shots that percentage-wise gives you a better chance without just shooting from everywhere. It's getting that balance right."

Middlesbrough are hoping to complete the loan signing of Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers this week, although the deal is still awaiting final approval from the Cherries. (Talksport), external

Boro are also close to sealing a deal for Hull City left-back Ryan Giles. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.

Image source, Rex Features

New West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray will have good knowledge of opponents Middlesbrough when they meet on Tuesday, according to head coach Michael Carrick.

Former Middlesbrough defender and manager Mowbray took over at the Baggies last week after recovering from bowel cancer.

"It's obviously been a challenging time for Tony and his family - he came to the ground and watched us so he's got a good idea of what we do, but it's been great to know he's been back," Carrick told BBC Radio Tees.

"He was going to come and watch us train at some point but he never got around to doing that, and now he's got a fantastic job and it's a new chapter for him and health-wise it's all positive, so it'll be nice to see him again."

Carrick said it could be "a number of weeks" before injured duo Riley McGree and Anfernee Dijksteel return, while on-loan midfielder Ben Doak and forward Emmanuel Latte Lath will be available despite rumours surrounding their futures.

Image source, Rex Features

Michael Carrick insisted his Middlesbrough side need to "change the cycle" after losing 2-1 at relegation-threatened Portsmouth.

Boro have won just one of their last six league outings and were nudged out of the play off places by West Brom following defeat at Fratton Park.

Carrick said: "I'm bitterly disappointed with the result and the way we finished the game. We're hurting tonight and we have to change the cycle.

"We put ourselves in a good position at a tough place to come and dealt with it for 50-odd minutes.

"The second goal would have been important for us and this is the type of place there is always a moment.

"We spoke about that at half-time and the first goal we conceded was an awful one for us.

"It's a position we've been in recently where we've put ourselves in great positions but not got anything from it. We've got to change that pretty quickly."

Image source, Rex Features

Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath will make the trip to Portsmouth on Saturday despite being linked to MSL club Atlanta United.

The US side have submitted a £16m bid for the Ivory Coast international. However, Boro boss Michael Carrick has confirmed that Latte Lath will be involved with Saturday's Championship match (15:00 GMT).

Boro are also boosted by the return of midfielder Aidan Morris, keeper Seny Dieng and defender Luke Ayling, who are all back in training.

While forward Tommy Conway won't be back in action, he "won't be out for too long", according to Carrick.

However, defenders Darragh Lenihan and Tommy Smith have both suffered setbacks and are now doubts for the remainder of the season.

You can listen to Carrick's full pre-match press conference on BBC Sounds.

Middlesbrough want to turn George Edmundson's loan from Ipswich into a permanent deal. (Football League World, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column.