MIDDLESBROUGH are pondering a summer move for Blackburn Rovers winger Josh King.

King signed a two-and-a-half-year deal when he joined Rovers on a permanent basis in January, two months after signing on loan from Manchester United, but he is understood to be among the names Middlesbrough are considering as they look to bolster their squad this summer.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray is looking to bring in a wide man as they aim to rejuvenate their fortunes following a poor second half of the season.

Middlesbrough were in automatic promotion at the turn of the year but took only 12 points from their final 21 games to finish 16th in the Championship table – only one place above Rovers.

King was hampered by injury after his Rovers move became permanent, affecting his bid to reach top form in the second half of the season, but he did start four of the final five games of the campaign.

The 21-year-old scored against Mowbray’s Middlesbrough during a loan spell at Hull City at the end of last season and his raw pace could be an attraction for potential suitors.

Clubs may view some of Rovers’ squad as potentially bargain signings, particularly following Blackburn’s very public legal fight over the £2.25m compensation claim of former boss Henning Berg.

Rovers eventually lost that case last week but are still likely to want a fair price for players if they do decide to accept bids for any of their current squad this summer.

There was no further news on the future of caretaker boss Gary Bowyer yesterday, following positive talks with Venky’s.

Bowyer remains the favourite for the job but is still waiting for the final go-ahead from the owners and has now gone on holiday as planned.

The club are yet to confirm any pre-season friendlies but non-league side Harrogate Town have announced that they will face Rovers' under 21s on Saturday, July 20 at 3pm.

Welsh club Bala Town also say they will take on Rovers on Friday, August 2, with the under 18s set to make the trip.

The new Football League season commences a day later on Saturday, August 3.

* Former Blackburn Rovers youngster Jackson Ramm has been released by Colchester United. The full back had a loan with Cambridge City this season.