Exclusive: David Prutton raises “early blow” for Middlesbrough in transfer chase for 25-year-old.

Following a disappointing Championship campaign, Middlesbrough have made no secret of their summer transfer plans.

The Teesside club has been one of the second-tier’s biggest-spending clubs since their return to the EFL eight years ago, but have failed to sustain a promotion bid in most seasons.

In 2023, Michael Carrick led Boro to their second play-off berth since 2017, but were ultimately defeated by Coventry City in two legs. However, despite a slew of high-profile additions and big-money transfers over the last two seasons, the former Manchester United midfielder has yet to reach similar heights.

According to FLW, owner Steve Gibson is considering firing the 43-year-old coach after the team finished 10th in the regular season with only one win in the last six games, four points away from the playoffs.

According to the Northern Echo, the Reds plan to reshuffle their squad as soon as possible this off-season. However, temporary additions made in January are unlikely to be retained.

The loss of AFC Bournemouth loanee Mark Travers, who was arguably the best performer among a quartet consisting of Samuel Iling-Junior, Ryan Giles, and Kelechi Iheanacho, is a significant blow for the club, which has struggled with goalkeeping throughout the season.

David Prutton makes “early blow” claim as Middlesbrough and Mark Travers developments emerge.

Seny Dieng, Sol Brynn, and Tom Glover were all goalkeepers for Carrick in the first half of the season before Travers moved to the Riverside Stadium on January 29. Dieng and Brynn were both sidelined for the second half of the season and have different recovery times.

However, after keeping four clean sheets in 17 games, the Republic of Irishman is expected to receive stronger offers for a permanent move away from the Vitality Stadium, which David Prutton believes is a problem for Boro heading into the summer window.

“Middlesbrough has priced out a move for Mark Travers. “A potential early blow for Boro,” he exclusively told Football League World.

“They want to get their recruitment done early, given the disappointment of how the season turned out,” the Sky Sports pundit explained.

“Didn’t they give themselves an outside chance? Fight on the final day. However, given what the previous two seasons have taught Boro, you believe Steve Gibson, along with Michael Carrick, will be motivated to return to the play-offs next season.

“If they are priced out of that move, it would be unfortunate given the value that he could add to the side,” he told me. “But if that’s the case, you move on, change your strategy, focus on a different goal, and don’t dwell on what could have been.”

“There’s plenty of competition, isn’t there, for players and places in the Championship,” Prutton replied.

 

Mark Travers’ developments would be a blow for Middlesbrough; Carrick must follow Prutton’s advice.

Travers has demonstrated consistency at this level, keeping 26 clean sheets in 76 games with Stoke City and Bournemouth, where he won promotion three years ago. However, his time in the North East did not go as planned.

As previously stated, Boro had enough problems with their keepers this season, and a lack of continuity and stability across the back-line was one of several reasons why Carrick’s side fell short of their goals.

While it will be frustrating that the 25-year-old is likely to be enticed by much more lucrative offers elsewhere, the fact that the club is looking to correct their mistakes as soon as possible bodes well for pre-season, as the addition of another target as soon as possible will see them become more cohesive with the backline.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk