Middlesbrough want Stephen Ireland?

Championship side Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to capture the services of Stephen Ireland.

The midfielder is believed to have been told by Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert that he can find himself another club this summer.

While Middlesbrough could not fund a permanent transfer, boss Tony Mowbray is hoping that he can secure the 26-year-old on a season-long loan deal, according to The People.

Ireland joined Villa in 2010 from fellow Premier League side Manchester City.