Middlesbrough will be forced to explore alternative options to strengthen the right side of their defence after Kaine Kesler-Hayden opted to join Championship rivals Coventry City.
In need of a new right-sided defender this summer, Boro identified Kesler-Hayden as an appealing option after successful loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and Preston North End. Capable of playing right-back and wing-back, the 22-year-old fit the bill this summer, with new boss Rob Edwards expected to stick to his favoured wing-back system at Boro.
However, Boro sources had always indicated that sealing a move for the Aston Villa academy graduate would be difficult, because there was so much interest. In the end, Boro have been unable to convince Kesler-Hayden on the move to Teesside, with the defender instead sticking closer to home with Midlands side Coventry.
The Telegraph report that a £3.5 million deal has been agreed, with Kesler-Hayden set to complete a medical to finalise the move on Monday. Aston Villa are keen to rush through a sale before the end of the day due to the Premier League’s June 30 accounting deadline for PSR calculations.
For the same reason, Villa are said to be in talks with Hull City over a permanent move for Louie Barry - a forward previously linked with Boro but not understood to be someone they were looking to sign this summer. As academy graduates, both would represent pure profit for the Villans, who missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day of last season.
Kesler-Hayden’s decision to join top-six rivals Coventry City will be a blow to Boro, as they will now be forced to move on to alternative targets for a priority position this summer. They released Anfernee Dijksteel at the end of last season and though they have Luke Ayling, the veteran would be perhaps better suited to playing as a wide centre-back rather than a wing-back. Edwards may also opt to take a closer look at Josh Dede this summer, the 19-year-old who joined from Celtic in January.
Boro are also keen on reuniting Edwards with Luton Town star Alfie Doughty who, although predominantly a left-sided player, has also proven comfortable playing from the right also. Again, it’s another deal that could be complicated though, given the Hatters likely high asking price and competition for his services.
As ever, Boro went into the summer transfer window with multiple options for every position they wished to strengthen and, despite losing out on Kesler-Hayden, will quickly focus their attention to one of those alternative options as they continue to work hard on strengthening Edwards’ squad ahead of his first season in charge.
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Finn Azaz of Middlesbrough scores the opening goal and celebrates
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