Middlesbrough hijack for Sam Byram would be kick in the teeth for Aitor Karanka

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For a number of weeks now Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for West Ham United right-back Sam Byram.

In the last week, it has looked like a deal will be done. Manager Aitor Karanka has even made it clear that Byram is on the list for Nottingham Forest.

Right-back is an area where Nottingham Forest need some improvement and Byram, a proven performer at this level with former club Leeds United fits the bill.

“He is one on the list. He is a West Ham player and we are not in a hurry. We have another few days to try to buy someone and another two or three weeks to try and bring someone in on loan.”

– Aitor Karanka on Byram pursuit

But a spanner has been thrown in the works.

According to reports, Middlesbrough are ready to hijack the deal. The Mirror report (live transfer blog, 09/08/18, 11:28) that the Teessiders are doing their best to lure Byram to the Riverside this summer.

The move would certainly be a kick in the teeth for Karanka. Not only would he be losing his main target at right-back, but he would be doing so to his former team.

Nottingham Forest have had a fairly productive transfer window and Michael Hefele looks next to arrive from Huddersfield Town.

But missing out on a player of Byram’s quality would be a huge blow to their promotion chances, especially as he would be joining a rival.

Nottingham Forest fans will hope Karanka and co get a deal over the line.