Middlesbrough find loophole in Ivor Pandur deal, Hull City chief Acun Ilicali is more likely to accept

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Middlesbrough have continued their pursuit in Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, this time offering an alternative deal that could sweeten the move for Acun Ilicali.

As gameweek four of the 2025/26 Championship season draws to a close, Middlesbrough find themselves at the summit of the league table after a phenomenal start to the campaign.

Middlesbrough have won four consecutive games under new boss Rob Edwards, with the latest victory coming at home to a beleaguered Sheffield United side.

Things have gone well for Edwards during his short spell on Teesside so far, but he still plans to make further signings before the summer transfer window comes to a conclusion.

Middlesbrough are interested in Ivor Pandur from Hull City, and whilst a deal proves difficult to conclude, Boro have offered one thing that may sweeten the deal.

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Middlesbrough offer swap deal as they look to sign Hull City ace Ivor Pandur

Hull City are unable to sign players for transfer fees as a result of the restrictions placed on them by the EFL.

As a result, there is a hesitancy coming from the MKM Stadium to accept any offers for players due to their difficulty in finding sufficient replacements for free or on loan.

This makes Middlesbrough’s quest to sign Ivor Pandur difficult, but they have an ace up their sleeve to try and get the deal concluded.

Via Alan Nixon on Patreon, Middlesbrough are keen to offer a swap deal, which would see Seny Dieng go to Hull City, with Pandur going the other way.

Nixon claims: “Dieng could go if he is fully fit while Pandur is seated at around £5m so Boro would have to pay some cash adjustment.”

It is also reported that Leicester City are also ‘keen to do a deal’, but ‘financial issues’ for the Foxes could make it a ‘hard move to pull off’.

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Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic’s comments will give Middlesbrough hope

With time ticking in the summer transfer window, Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic is showing signs of uncertainty, particularly around the future of his No.1 goalkeeper as Middlesbrough continue their pursuit.

Via Hull Live, Jakirovic was asked whether he could provide clarity on Pandur’s future, and his words will fill Boro fans with hope.

“This is the reason why we need to be ready all the time, because you never know now until Monday who will go,” said Jakirovic.

“You never know, so we have to be ready. For example, if Ivor will go somewhere – I don’t know where, he’s still with us – we need to have another goalkeeper. Everything is up in the air.”

Middlesbrough will hope that they can receive clarity on Hull City’s stance sooner rather than later as the time continues to tick in the summer transfer window.