Source: Daily_Mail
Boro close in on £1.6m quadruple Celtic deal but Boyd signing hit by hernia op
Gordon Strachan has agreed deals for four Celtic players but faces an anxious wait in his bid to add Rangers striker Kris Boyd to the exodus from Scotland.Sportsmail can reveal that Middlesbrough are paying a combined fee of £1.6million for Barry Robson and Gary Caldwell and have also thrashed out deals for striker Chris Killen and midfielder Willo Flood.Killen has signed on loan for the rest of the season, with a view to a permanent move when he becomes a free agent in the summer, while Middlesbrough have agreed to take over the 18 months left on Flood's Celtic contract. Options: Rangers' Kris Boyd is wanted by both Middlesbrough and BirminghamStrachan remains hopeful of seeing off competition from Birmingham for Boyd but will have to wait for an answer, after it emerged that the Scotland frontrunner was undergoing a hernia operation in Manchester this afternoon.Sources close to the player believe he may yet sign a new contract at Ibrox but that Middlesbrough is his likely destination, in a £1.5million deal, should he decide on a fresh start.With centre-back Caldwell out of contract at the end of the season and outside-left Robson's Parkhead agreement having only 18 months to run, Strachan was able to bolster his defence and midfield at a knockdown price. Boro bound: Barry RobsonTeeside target: Gary Caldwell Killen will add height and power to his frontline, while former Manchester City prospect Flood will provide extra competition for places in midfield.Robson's arrival is bound to increase speculation about Adam Johnson's immediate future, with Sunderland keen to take Middlesbrough's England Under 21 winger to the Stadium of Light. Jos Hooiveld raring to go after Dutch defender secures move to CelticBoro boss Strachan ups the ante in bid to win war for Rangers' Kris Boyd CELTIC FC