Corkman Alan Browne could become a permanent Middlesbrough recruit if the Championship high-flyers succeed in upgrading his loan move from Sunderland. Browne is currently Ireland’s in-form midfielder, despite being out of the international set-up for over a year. Saturday’s goal against his former club Preston North End was his third of the season and second in successive matches. Boro are the forefront of the suitors and staying on Teeside would suit the player from personal and footballing perspectives. Meanwhile, Browne’s former club Preston are subject to takeover interest from US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan.

Source: Irish Examiner January 26, 2026 16:00 UTC