Middlesbrough ‘closing in on Emmanuel Latte Lath deal to help goalscoring issues

Middlesbrough are closing in on a deal for Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, according to reports. The Teessiders need to address their goalscoring issues following Chuba Akpom’s expected departure.

Michael Carrick has seen his side score just once in their last six Championship games, going back to last season, and they have failed to find the net in their opening two league games this season. Last term’s top scorer Akpom looks set to leave the club in the coming days, but Boro have seemingly acted quickly to find his replacement.

Reports this weekend suggest a deal for Atalanta for striker Emmanuel Latte Lath is close. The 24-year-old is in the final year of his deal in Serie A and impressed during a loan spell with FC St Gallen in the Swiss Super League last season, scoring 16 goals.

Latte Lath scored four times in Atalanta’s pre-season campaign, but with his contract having less than 12 months to run, it looks as thought the Italian side are happy to cash in now rather than lose him for free next summer.

While he predominantly plays through the middle, he can operate on either flank and would give Carrick an element of versatility – although goals are what the Boro boss needs now.

Middlesbrough have a week to lick their wounds before facing Huddersfield Town at the Riverside next weekend. Former Boro boss Neil Warnock’s side have also failed to win either of their first two Championship games.

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This is the aftermath of an early morning blaze which tore through a property garage.

Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to Wycherley Close, in Ormesby, on Saturday after reports of a property fire. Crews were called at around 3.15am and reported “100% fire damage to a caravan and jet ski”.

The brigade also said there was “10% fire damage to rear of house/patio, 100% fire damage to fence, 100% fire damage to car next door and 10% fire damage to rear garage.” Grangetown Fire Station sent two engines to the scene.

According to the fire incident log, crews left the scene at around 4.50am. Pictures from the scene show extensive damage to the drive away and inside the garage. The neighbouring fence and vehicle have also been damaged.

It is not yet known what started the blaze. Cleveland Police have been contacted for comment.