New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison will reportedly join Manchester City in the next 24 hours before being loaned straight out to Middlesbrough.
The Citizens intend to use their links with sister club NYCFC to get a permanent deal, worth around £4m, over the line before Wednesday night's deadline.
England Under-21s international Harrison arrived in the UK on Tuesday and must now undergo a medical and complete the necessary paperwork.
According to Sky Sports News, an agreement is already in place with Championship side Middlesbrough to take the Manchester United youth product on loan for the rest of the season.
Stoke City also showed an interest in Harrison at the start of the month, but they are now looking at Badou Ndiaye of Galatasaray.
