Colombian defender Bernardo Espinosa reportedly has an offer from newly promoted side Middlesbrough, after initial reports suggested Bournemouth were close to signing him.
It is reported Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka is particularly keen on signing the Sporting Gijon defender, who is out of contract this summer.
According to Spanish website El Comercio, Bernardo is expected to make a decision in the ‘coming hours’, and that it’s very likely he’d reject the contract renewal offer from Sporting to sign for Middlesbrough.
El Comercio say Sporting have ‘put all eggs in the basket’ to keep the player at the club, and are ready to make him the highest earner, but the player is tempted by the chance of playing in the Premier League.
The player is currently recovering from an injury, and is close to taking his next career step in England.
The 26-year-old made just 16 league appearances last season, and missed the second half of the season due to a knee injury.
