MIDDLESBROUGH manager Chris Wilder is leading the £2million race for Aussie star Riley McGree.
Boro have opened talks with MLS side Charlotte FC for the midfielder, 23, after his Birmingham loan ended.
The North Yorkshire side are currently around £500,000 short but Wilder will get the funds to land his target this week.
Whereas Brum cannot match the fee or wages needed after McGree made his name with them this season.
Nottingham Forest are also interested in the Australian international but Middlesbrough are favourites.
Boro are in seventh in the Championship and looking for McGree’s services to help push for promotion.
The attacking midfielder made 15 competitive appearances for Birmingham, scoring two goals and assisting two more.
McGree recently returned to Charlotte, North Carolina, where the team are preparing to compete in their inaugural MLS season.
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Upon leaving Birmingham, the 23-year-old spoke to the club’s official website and said: “It’s sadly come to an end, but it has been a bit of a whirlwind and a good adventure and one that I have good memories from.
“England is where you want to come and play.
To be able to get the opportunity in the Championship and to come to Birmingham, I took it and wanted to get here.”
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