Ravel Morrison to be handed a career lifeline by Middlesbrough as they offer Sheff Utd outcast transfer

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate is ready to give Ravel Morrison a chance to kick start his career.

The former Manchester United prospect can leave Sheffield United after trying his luck with them this season.

Boro want to give Morrison a deal to get playing and fulfil the potential of his early days at Old Trafford.

Morrison is expected to take the move and sort out a contract for the rest of the season as Woodgate looks to improve his squad on a tight budget.

The 26-year-old was highly rated as a youngster but has never gone on to show his talent.

Morrison has only made one Premier League appearance for Sheffield United and it appears Chris Wilder is unconvinced and is keen to move him on.

Having struggled with injuries and attitude problems, Morrison has only made 101 league appearances in his career and at the age of 26, it's a high-risk move by Middlesbrough.

Rio Ferdinand had named Morrison as the most talented player to come through the United academy but his career has failed to reach expectations.

Having joined West Ham from Manchester United, Morrison started promisingly, scoring a wonder goal against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

It soon fizzled out as he went out on loan to Birmingham, Cardiff and QPR in consecutive seasons.

Lazio snapped up the midfieder and similar to his West Ham spell, it started brightly but fizzled out again.

A second loan spell at QPR followed but they didn't take up the option to buy for £2million.

Morrison's fifth loan move was to Mexican side Atlas before a permanent deal at Ostersunds in Sweden.

When Morrison joined Sheffield United, Wilder said: "We are getting a fantastic footballer with a tremendous pedigree and this is a great opportunity for Rav; we believe we can help him get back to the level he wants to be."

It hasn't gone to plan and now the Blades boss is looking to free up space in his squad.

New ADO Den Haag boss Alan Pardew was also considering a move for the midfielder as he looks to drag his side away from the relegation zone in the Eredivisie.

Pardew admitted he will be targeting players from the UK to boost his side's chances of survival and Morrison could be persuaded with another mover abroad.