Charlton midfielder Nicky Bailey, reported to be a summer target for Norwich City, is set to join Middlesbrough in a �1.5m deal. Boro' boss Gordon Strachan is understood to have pipped two of his former clubs, Celtic and Southampton, plus West Bromwich Albion, for the signature of the 26-year-old former Barnet and Southend player, whose contract at The Valley still has a year to run.

Charlton midfielder Nicky Bailey, reported to be a summer target for Norwich City, is set to join Middlesbrough in a �1.5m deal.

Boro' boss Gordon Strachan is understood to have pipped two of his former clubs, Celtic and Southampton, plus West Bromwich Albion, for the signature of the 26-year-old former Barnet and Southend player, whose contract at The Valley still has a year to run.

Bailey scored 13 times last season for Charlton, but was the only player to miss from the penalty spot when they lost their play-off semi-final to Swindon in a shoot-out.

Charlton signed Bailey from Southend for �175,000 in the summer of 2008.