Report: Nugent, Downing allowed to leave Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough is reportedly prepared to rubber-stamp the exits of David Nugent and Stewart Downing.

Sky Sports News understands Derby County is in advanced talks over a £2-million move for Nugent, and Downing will be allowed to leave on a loan deal, according to BBC Sport.

Nugent, 31, has mustered just one strike in five appearances this campaign and has been told he's free to exit the Riverside in the wake of fellow forward Rudy Gestede's signing from Aston Villa. Derby manager Steve McClaren wants to land Nugent after failing to recall Chris Martin from his loan stay at Fulham.

Downing, meanwhile, returned to the Teessiders in 2015, but has failed to re-establish the adulation that he earned when he progressed through the Middlesbrough ranks just after the turn of the century. The 32-year-old has played 234 times for the club, but will now be granted a temporary spell away after not starting a match since Oct. 29.

Two more attack-minded players potentially heading for the exit door may force boss Aitor Karanka to delve into the transfer market again. No Premier League side has scored less goals than Middlesbrough this season.