Middlesbrough transfer news: Boro send Belgian midfielder Julien de Sart out on loan to Derby County

MIDDLESBROUGH are sending Belgian midfielder Julien de Sart to Steve McClaren's Derby County.

The Rams have made a surprise move to take de Sart who has only made a couple of appearances for Boro since joining from Standard Liege.

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The tall defensive midfielder wants to play and will join Rams on loan. He has had injury problems this season that have held him back but is now all clear.

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McClaren wants an anchor man in his squad and de Sart fits into his plans as he revamps his group.

The Under-21s international has hardly had a kick since arriving at the Riverside last January.

His pathway to the first-team seems to be blocked at the moment by the form of Adam Clayton and Marten de Roon on Teesside.

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And with captain Grant Leadbitter’s recent return from injury, opportunities are going to continue being rare for the promising ace.

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Therefore, Boro boss Aitor Karanka is happy to allow him out on loan to gain experience.

The 22-year-old joins the promotion-chasing Rams with the club sitting two points outside the play-off spots.