MIDDLESBROUGH will keep an eye on Alfie Doughty’s situation at Luton Town and would like to reunite Rob Edwards with the left wing-back this summer – but it is understood that this would be a difficult deal to complete and the Championship club will first address their top transfer objectives.
Doughty was a vital role for Edwards during his time in charge of the Hatters, and Boro’s recruitment team has long respected the player. Enquiries were conducted long before Edwards was appointed as Middlesbrough’s head coach.
However, the 25-year-old only signed a new contract at Kenilworth Road 12 months ago, and despite their relegation to League One, it is believed Luton’s asking price will be hefty.
Boro will continue to monitor Doughty’s condition, but the recruitment staff will focus attempts to strengthen in a number of areas.
Boro’s starting point this summer will be the acquisition of a central defender, a right wing-back, a central midfielder, a wide forward, and striker.
Anfernee Dijksteel’s departure leaves Luke Ayling, who had a difficult and injury-plagued season last year, and the inexperienced Josh Dede as Edwards’ sole alternatives on the right side of defence, and Boro will aim to sign a specialist right wing-back.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden of Aston Villa was one player reported as a potential target, however he has agreed to join Coventry City instead. Boro identified several additional choices and will proceed to further targets.
Boro will want to reinforce central defence and central midfield regardless of what happens with Rav van den Berg and Hayden Hackney, both of whom have been linked with Crystal Palace today.
Following the departure of Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, acquiring a centre-forward is an obvious need. Kelechi Iheanacho’s loan stay in the second half of last season did not go as planned, and Boro last Thursday approved the permanent transfer of Josh Coburn to Millwall in a deal worth more than £5 million.
Boro may consider left wing-back after ticking off their key boxes this summer.
If Edwards, as predicted, deploys a back three with wingbacks at Boro, the new head coach must make a decision about Neto Borges. Borges established himself as a major figure for Boro on and off the pitch after a rocky start last season, but he seemed equally at ease playing at centre-half when he was brought inside to deal with an injury crisis, as he did at left-back.
Edwards must now decide whether to classify the Brazilian as a left-sided central defender or a wing-back. Alex Bangura, who is back in shape, is another option at left wing-back under the new coach. Bangura has returned for pre-season after missing the entire season due to a catastrophic Achilles injury sustained a year earlier.
George McCormick, who stepped into the first-team squad last summer, is another left-sided defender who will be looking to impress Edwards. Boro’s players returned to Rockliffe on Monday for the first official day of preseason.
Several players reported back for testing at the end of last week, but they were joined on Monday by internationals Tommy Conway and Riley McGree, as well as Alex Gilbert, who was allowed an extended sabbatical after playing for Charlton in the League One play-offs.
McGree hopes to put last season’s injury frustration behind him now that he is completely fit.
After reporting back to Rockliffe, the Australian international stated in a video posted on the club’s social media pages: “I’m ready to be back and get back into it, for sure.”
Boro’s first domestic pre-season friendly is slated for Wednesday, July 23, when they will travel to League One club Bradford City.
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