Grant Leadbitter's agent has confirmed that he is in talks with Middlesbrough over a deal for the former Ipswich man.
Former Sunderland midfielder could be heading back to North East
Grant Leadbitter's agent has confirmed that he is in talks with Middlesbrough over a deal for the former Ipswich Town man.
The 26-year-old midfielder has left Portman Road after he turned down their offer of a new contract.
Chester-le-Street-born Leadbitter began his career with Sunderland before leaving for Ipswich in 2009 when Roy Keane paid £2.65million for him.
Now he is being strongly linked with a move back to his native North East, although his agent Chris Lomas insists that location is not a priority for his next move.
"I don't think that will have a bearing at all. It will be a purely footballing decision, but we've had some contact with Middlesbrough," he said, before going on to insist that a number of clubs are interested.
Attractive
"Middlesbrough are an attractive club for a player. They are a great club and Tony Mowbray is a top guy. He wants to play football the right way.
"There are quite a few clubs who are interested in Grant. He's got good experience and he's a very good player."
Leadbitter has emerged as one of Boro's top targets this summer and they are keen on pushing through a move.
"I think Grant's quite relaxed about the situation," Lomas added.
"He's currently on holiday and he's getting married this summer so he wants to make sure he makes the right decision for the long-term. I don't think, however, he'll want it dragging on too long."
