Middlesbrough were reportedly interested in signing James Penrice during the summer transfer window. The club was one of several credited with an interest in bringing him to the Championship prior to his signing by Rangers in August.

Several clubs, including Middlesbrough, are linked with James Penrice, who, according to reports, has been told he is free to leave AEK Athens.

James Penrice has a complete preference for a lucrative proposal from Ibrox over competing interest from the English Championship duo Middlesbrough and Blackburn.

Both Middlesbrough and Blackburn have made enquiries regarding AEK Athens defender James Penrice. Reporter Ben Jacobs stated that the two clubs have asked about the 27-year-old Scottish left-back. No formal approach has yet reached AEK from either club. Rangers had previously shown strong interest in the player during the winter, but their offer was not enough to satisfy AEK, and they have not followed up since. In January 2026, reports indicated AEK rejected a bid from Rangers valued at approximately €3.5 million. Penrice joined AEK from Hearts in July 2025 for a reported fee of €2.3 million and is under contract until June 2028. During the 2025/2026 season, Penrice played 16 games in the Super League 1, and his current market value is listed as €2.50m by Transfermarkt.