Middlesbrough are working to secure a deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Ash Phillips, but it seems they may have missed out on another target. James Penrice, a 27-year-old full-back who was linked with a move to Boro, now looks set to join Scottish giants Rangers on loan.
What happened?
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Rangers have agreed a loan deal for Penrice, with a medical booked for Monday. The 27-year-old full-back was previously linked with a move to Middlesbrough, but it seems Boro's interest has waned after they completed the signing of Columbus Crew's Max Arfsten.
Why it matters for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough are working to strengthen their left-hand side, and Penrice was one of two options to do so. However, it seems Boro's interest has cooled, and Penrice now looks set to join Rangers instead.
What comes next?
The loan deal for Penrice is expected to be completed soon, with a medical booked for Monday. This is a blow for Middlesbrough, who were hoping to sign the 27-year-old full-back. However, Boro are still working to secure a deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Ash Phillips, and it remains to be seen if they will be successful.
Middlesbrough are currently 15 points behind leaders Coventry in the Championship title race, and they will be hoping to strengthen their squad in the coming weeks. The team has enjoyed a positive summer, with the signings of free agent Myles Peart-Harris, Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, United States internationals Max Arfsten and Sebastian Berhalter, and strike duo Will Lankshear and Kyle Joseph.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Championship, 80 pts, 22W-14D-10L from 46 games, recent form LLDDW. Goals this season: 72 scored, 47 conceded (+25 goal difference). Last result: Hull City 1-0 Middlesbrough (2026-05-23). Recent form (last 5): 0W-1D-4L (LLLLD, most recent first); lost the last 4.
