With the summer transfer window now approaching, Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to sign a reinforcement from the Premier League who Michael Carrick loves.
Middlesbrough eyeing Premier League move
It's been a frustrating season for Boro at times, but they've still got plenty of hope to cling onto in the race to secure a place in the Championship play-offs. Sat eighth and just three points behind sixth-place West Bromwich Albion, Carrick's side have just eight games to save their campaign. After just one defeat in their last five games too, a chance to fight for their place at Wembley is still very much on the cards.
That said, even as their fate hangs in the balance those in Teesside have already turned their attention towards the summer transfer window and any potential plans for Carrick's side. The likes of Hayden Hackney have already threatened to steal the headlines amid links with a move to the Premier League, but Boro could yet make a Premier League move of their own.
According to Football League World, Middlesbrough are now keen on signing Mark Travers on a permanent deal this summer following an impressive loan spell from Bournemouth in the second-half of the current campaign.
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Earning minutes away from the South Coast whilst Kepa Arrizabalaga occupies the starting role at Bournemouth, Travers could now complete a permanent departure if the Cherries decide to turn their own loan deal for the Spaniard permanent this summer.
Left to benefit looks likely to be Boro with or without promotion to the top flight this season. The arrival of the shot-stopper would certainly provide Carrick with a welcome boost too, given Travers' Premier League experience and performances on loan in Teesside.
Carrick already a fan of "fantastic" Travers
What should push Middlesbrough to welcome Travers on a permanent basis is the fact that Carrick is already a fan of the goalkeeper, telling reporters last week: "He's got a really good character. He's a good goalkeeper and he's had to make some good saves for us.
"That’s what we obviously brought him in for and hope for. We don't want him to have to make saves, but, when needed, and especially today to contribute to a clean sheet, is a big one for us."
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After conceding just three goals in his last three games, that praise should come as no surprise for a goalkeeper who may just be getting started at just 25 years old. If Boro can commence their summer by securing a player of Premier League quality then they may just set themselves up for an excellent campaign.
It's not the first time that Travers has been at the centre of praise either, with former Weymouth manager Mark Molesley telling reporters back in 2020: "When he came into Weymouth I was absolutely delighted again because he was so young at the time but absolutely no doubt about throwing him in. He was fantastic for us.”