Stuani expected to leave Espanyol

Stuani joined Espanyol on a permanent transfer from Italian side Reggina in the summer of 2013 and is under contract with the Catalan outfit for another three seasons.

Reports in Spain suggest Stuani is set to join Boro on a £2.8million transfer fee, with half of the cash set to go to Reggina.

When asked about Stuani's proposed move to Teesside, Espanyol president Joan Collet said on his club's official website: "There are many options for Stuani to leave the club in the coming days.

"There have been negotiations and it's very likely that he will leave.

"We are limited in what we can do because we only own 50 percent of the player's rights."

Stuani is on holiday after competing last month with his national team at the Copa America in Chile.

The 28-year-old scored 16 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions for Espanyol in the 2014-15 campaign to help Espanyol finished 10th in La Liga.

Boro finished fourth in the Championship this past season and are coached by Spain tactician Aitor Karanka.