Birmingham City have moved ahead of Middlesbrough in the race to sign Hull City winger Liam Millar. Birmingham are in advanced talks to secure the 26-year-old Canada international before the transfer deadline.
Middlesbrough, who sit 5th in the Championship with six points from three games, had been linked with Millar but now appear to be focusing elsewhere. The club is closing in on a loan deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Amario Cozier-Duberry. Boro's next test is an away trip to face Burnley on Wednesday, September 2nd.
Liam Millar's performances for Hull City have attracted significant Championship interest. The winger scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 away win at Coventry City last season, a moment highlighted by his teammate. "I think Millar was a bit disappointed with the first one and then showed massive balls to score the second one," said Oli McBurnie. That kind of match-winning contribution is precisely what has put Millar on the radar of several clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
With Birmingham now leading the pursuit of Millar, Middlesbrough's attention has shifted to alternative targets. The potential arrival of Amario Cozier-Duberry on loan from Brighton would add a different profile to Michael Carrick's attacking resources. Boro have started the season strongly, winning two of their opening three matches to sit just three points behind league leaders Charlton.
Hull City's potential sale of Liam Millar would create a vacancy in their squad. The Yorkshire Post report suggests one candidate to fill that void is Stoke City's Sorba Thomas. Any incoming business for Hull is complicated by Premier League squad registration rules, as they may have to settle on a final 25-man list. This adds pressure to any late-window dealings for the Tigers.
The movement of players like Millar between Championship rivals can have a direct impact on the competitive balance of the league. Middlesbrough, currently positioned in the playoff places, will be aiming to maintain their early momentum. Their solid start, provides a good platform but the squad will need depth to challenge over a long season. The club's activity in the final hours of the window will be watched closely by supporters checking our squad updates. Birmingham's push for Millar shows their intent to improve, while Stoke could be drawn into a chain reaction depending on Thomas's future.
Middlesbrough's immediate focus returns to the pitch for their upcoming match against Burnley, who are currently 22nd in the table.
