Aitor Karanka: 'I've told Patrick Bamford he can be an important player at Boro'

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Aitor Karanka has told Patrick Bamford he can play a crucial part in Boro's promotion bid.

The head coach has been in discussions with the Chelsea youngster this morning as the clubs look to tie up a loan deal.

Speaking at Rockliffe Park this afternoon, the Boro head coach said: "I hope [it's close] because I know him.

"I've tried to convince him today and he knows how important he could be for us.

"He can score a lot of goals and we need to have players who can score."

Karanka also confirmed talks were ongoing to bring in Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker .

Boro will look to bounce back from Saturday's defeat at Leeds when they travel to Bolton in the Championship tomorrow.

Karanka said: "Without the ball [against Leeds] we didn't play badly and until the last minute we were good, but [against Bolton] I want us to have more of the ball, win the 50-50 fights and when we are doing this we can beat everyone."