Middlesbrough "close" to Kike Sola deal

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has revealed that his club "are close" to securing the signature of Athletic Bilbao striker Kike Sola.

The 29-year-old Basque joined Bilbao from Osasuna in 2013, but has largely struggled to make his mark at San Mames due to the form of Aritz Aduriz.

Recent reports had claimed that the Spaniard was in England for a medical and Karanka has confirmed that a loan move is close to being completed.

"We are close. He is a player who can bring us something different. He can play as a striker or a second striker," Karanka told reporters.

Middlesbrough have collected 55 points from their 25 Championship games this season, which has left the club five points clear at the top of England's second tier.