Middlesbrough must see off competition from Championship new boys Wrexham if they are to firm up their interest in NEC Nijmegen winger Sontje Hansen.

Boro are one of several sides linked with a move for the 23-year-old, who came through Ajax’s prestigious academy. He was said to be close to joining Birmingham City last January but a move failed to materialise.

Now a host of clubs, including Middlesbrough, are reportedly weighing up a move for Hansen, who could be available for around the £5m mark.

Wrexham have been strongly linked with a bid, along with Premeir League new boys Burnley and Danish side FC Copenhagen, although Nijmegen are understood to have turned down a £3.5m bid frm Burnley already.

Reports in the Netherlands suggest Boro are leading the race as they look to make the first transfer signing of the Rob Edwards era.

Boro had huge success with Ben Doak on the right-hand side of their forward line last term, and it was no coincidence their fall fell away somewhat when the Liverpool star’s season was cut short through injury.

While they signed Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argye in the January transfer window, Boro are still thought to be keen to sign a winger in the summer market.

Hansen scored seven goals in 34 appearances for Nijmegen last term, adding a further four assists, and has won seven caps for the Dutch Under-21 side.

He impressed in the Ajax youth ranks, making 84 appearances for their Under-21 side before being released in 2023, after scoring 37 times for the Dutch giants’ various youth teams.

Wrexham are thought to have more spending power this summer after winning promotion under former Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson and backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.