Aitor Karanka has revealed that Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is poised to become his first signing as Middlesbrough boss on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old is a full Nigerian international but is yet to make a first-team appearances for the Blues, who loaned him to Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag last term.
It now appears that Karanka has used his relationship with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, to whom he was assistant at Real Madrid, to ensure that Omeruo's development will continue on Teeside.
Speaking after a 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Hull City, Karanka told reporters: "Kenneth, I think so, I want him until the end of the season and I am happy because he is coming here to help and gives us more."
Goals from Aaron McLean and Nick Proschwitz saw Boro eliminated at the third-round stage on Saturday.
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