Rivals could drop out

Championship rivals Derby County could be about to withdraw from the race to sign Middlesbrough striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Boro are understood to be looking to recoup more than the £1.3m they originally paid Coventry City for his services back in January 2012. As a result their former boss Steve McClaren now appears ready to drop out of the chase.

Meanwhile, Burnley, Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers, where the 25-year-old had a successful loan spell last season, have also been credited with an interest.

However, Derby had appeared at the front of the list as they hoped to fend off their challengers and complete a deal.