Derby County have also made an offer for the 27-year-old, whose contract with Blackburn is due to expire in less than 12 months.
Earlier this summer, Blackburn were confident of agreeing an extension with Brittain but have failed to make a breakthrough and Rovers must now decide whether to admit defeat in their efforts to keep the right-back.
Rovers are yet to accept an offer from Boro or Derby, according to our sister publication the Lancashire Telegraph, but there’s now an increased acceptance that an exit for the defender could be on the cards this summer. What’s not clear at this stage is Blackburn’s valuation of Brittain, though Rovers will clearly hope the battle for the full-back’s signature will drive up the price.
Wrexham have also been linked. Boro won’t get drawn into a bidding war and have alternate options in the position if needs be, but Brittain has emerged as a leading target in what is a priority position for Boro to strengthen.
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Luke Ayling is Boro’s only senior right-back. Brittain is coming off the best season of his career and Blackburn are of the belief that the right-back – a star man at Ewood Park – is among the Championship’s best in that position.
Boss Valerien Ismael will be quizzed on Brittain’s situation after Blackburn’s pre-season friendly against Accrington on Saturday. It’s not known whether the defender will feature.
The move for Brittain this week suggests Boro are preparing to step up their recruitment drive as they look to strengthen Rob Edwards’ squad ahead of the coming Championship season.
Boro face Santa Clara in a training game in Portugal on Saturday, before kicking off their domestic pre-season game at Mansfield next weekend.
Boro want to strengthen in several positions in the coming weeks, with a centre-forward, midfielder, central defender and wide attacker all in the thinking of the recruitment team.