Town are again being linked with Doncaster defender George Friend, who was reportedly a Blues target a year ago. Middlesbrough have had a fee accepted for the 24-year-old and a deal is expected to go through in the next couple of days. However, Rovers boss Dean Saunders believes other clubs could still move for Friend with Nottingham Forest - now managed by ex-Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll - said to be amongst them.

Saunders said: “George is a good man, he has a great attitude and he's a great athlete. I'll be disappointed to see him go.

“But we have to cut our cloth accordingly and we've agreed a fee with Middlesbrough, although I'm still expecting more interest from other clubs.”

Friend plays at left-back and centre-half – where Town could be looking for reinforcements should reported interest in Aaron Cresswell or Damien Delaney be firmed up – as well as in midfield and started his career with Exeter, during which time he had spells on loan with Tiverton Town and Team Bath.

Having become Exeter’s youngest-ever captain and helped the Grecians back into the Football League, the Barnstaple-born defender moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of the August 2008 transfer window for an initial fee of £350,000.

Loan spells at Millwall, Southend, Scunthorpe and Exeter followed as Friend managed only six starts and two sub appearances in two years with the Midlands club. In the summer of 2010, the 6ft 1in tall defender joined Doncaster on a two-year deal, extending his terms by a further season last year.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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