Boro leading chase for in-form Ireland midfielder Alan Browne

The Cork native is currently on loan at the promotion hopefuls.

Mon, 26 Jan, 2026 - 14:30

John Fallon

Corkman Alan Browne could become a permanent Middlesbrough recruit if the Championship high-flyers succeed in upgrading his loan move from Sunderland.

Browne is currently Ireland’s in-form midfielder, despite being out of the international set-up for over a year.

Saturday’s goal against his former club Preston North End was his third of the season and second in successive matches.

Boro sit second in the table, just three points off leaders Coventry City.

The 30-year-old was part of Sunderland’s promotion-winning squad last season before being allowed to depart on loan, due to competition led by Ballymena native Trai Hume.

Rob Edwards enticed him to the Riverside for the season and, though the manager quit for Wolves in November, his successor Kim Hellberg has leant on the Leesider to accelerate their promotion push.

That has entailed him switching Browne to the right side of defence, a position he’s filled in for Ireland over his 37 caps, but he was restored to his natural post for the 4-0 stroll over Preston.

Browne was recruited by Preston from Cork City in 2014, going on to captain the club and become the 11th highest appearance holder in their history with 414 outings.

He rejected a contract extension to leave on a free last year, penning a three-year deal at the Black Cats.

With that contract reaching the midway point, Browne is attracting interest.

Boro are the forefront of the suitors and staying on Teeside would suit the player from personal and footballing perspectives.

That transfer could be completed before Tuesday week’s deadline or when the summer window opens.

With Josh Cullen ruled out of the World Cup playoffs in March and the tournament, should Ireland qualify, Browne is pushing to be recalled for Ireland’s semi-final away to Czechia.

Meanwhile, Browne’s former club Preston are subject to takeover interest from US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan.

The Hemmings family are long-time owners of their local club, also purchasing the option to buy Cork City in 2020, but last year set out a two-year timeframe to attract fresh investors.

Rothschild & Co, the financial advisors engaged in 2022 by Manchester United for a similar project, are coordinating the potential sale.

“This process is in its early stages and is ongoing, as we continue to receive new approaches,” said Preston chairman Ian Penrose in response to a Sky News report claiming talks had stalled.

“I can confirm that we have had discussions with the US-born Saudi businessman Amr Zedan, who we respect highly. Mr Zedan is one of a number of successful individuals or organisations that have made enquiries about the club.

“Specific comments on any approach are inappropriate at this stage. This is a complex process that requires many financial, legal and regulatory hurdles to be appropriately satisfied.

“It is of utmost importance that any future owner of Preston North End is the right fit for the football club, in order to maximise the club’s potential and the ambitions of our fans, stakeholders and owners.”

League Two outfit Colchester United are also in the midst of takeover talk and with an element of glamour due to former AC Milan and Brazil striker Alexandre Pato leading the consortium.

Pato was a guest of Colchester’s at Saturday’s home win over Fleetwood Town as a guest of current owner Robbie Cowling. Talks are believed to be ongoing.

"We're not interested in people unless they've got the wealth to take the club on much further than myself," Cowling told the BBC.