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Bundesliga clubs preparing to rival Middlesbrough to sign Manchester City goalkeeper on permanent deal

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Middlesbrough are set to face competition from Germany for the signature of Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

The 28 year-old has spent the 2022/23 campaign on-loan at Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship, helping Michael Carrick’s side push for promotion, as they finished fourth in the table.

Steffen kept nine clean sheets and played in 42 Championship matches for Middlesbrough, with the North Yorkshire club now interested in signing the goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

The American joined Manchester City for $7 million in 2019 and made 21 appearances over two seasons for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Steffen made his debut against Bournemouth in the League Cup and as well as featuring in two Premier League matches, started FA Cup semi-final defeats against both Chelsea and Liverpool for City.

Manchester City signed goalkeeper Stefan Ortega last summer on a free transfer and the German has had an impressive debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

As a result, Steffen would likely be third choice for Manchester City next season, although veteran Scott Carson also recently signed a new deal with the Blues.

The USMNT international has himself suggested that his future is away from the Premier League champions, saying: “I don’t think I’ll go back [to City]… I want to be playing.

“Although I had a great time at City and I love those guys, and obviously (it’s) an amazing club, I don’t really have any plans to go back.”

The Norther Echo report that Middlesbrough would “love” to sign the 28 year-old on a permanent basis this summer, however the Championship club face competition from clubs in Germany, who could offer more money for the goalkeeper.

Manchester City are set to demand around £10 million for Steffen, with it “extremely difficult” for Middlesbrough to complete that sort of deal, according to Scott Wilson.

At least two Bundesliga clubs are claimed to be interested in signing Steffen, with the goalkeeper having previously played in Germany on two separate occasions.

City are also due to welcome back goalkeeper James Trafford, who has been on loan with Bolton Wanderers and enjoyed another impressive spell with the League One club.

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