Rob Edwards refused to be drawn on Middlesbrough’s interest in Manchester City starlet Sverre Nypan, but admitted, as work continues to strengthen the squad, that he was a player he admires.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who joined City only a month ago in a £12.5 million deal from Rosenborg, is understood to be close to joining Boro on a season-long loan. Boro used their connections with City to secure the eye-catching deal, having scouted the Norwegian prospect themselves last season.
Nypan will bolster Boro’s options in midfield, though is versatile and can play in any of the forward areas further up the pitch too. While Boro’s preference is always on permanent signings, Nypan, they hope, will be another example, like Ben Doak last season, of when Premier League loans can be effective for Championship clubs.
“I don't like talking about other people's players but he is someone I admire. I really like him,” Edwards admitted. “Loans can be important. It’s got to be right - both for the player and the club. There’s got to be a joint-up way of getting that as well.
“The player and his mentality has to be right. He’s got to be coming understanding why it’s important for their journey. But I think we saw a good one here last year, and we all know from that how it can benefit everybody. Desire to be here is very important; it’s the most important thing!
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“People who want to play for the football club. Be here, fight for the club, that’s everything. That’s what we’re trying to shape and build now. I’m confident by the end of the window we’ll be there. Everyone that is in the building now certainly wants to be here.”
Work remains ongoing to strengthen Boro’s squad, after Sontje Hansen became the fourth signing of the summer earlier in the week. As well as the attempts to bring in Nypan that are progressing well, Boro this week also made a move to sign versatile striker Cheikh Sabaly. However, as things stand, Metz’s valuation is beyond what Boro are willing to pay. Boro also want to strengthen the left side of their defence, but Columbus Crew have taken a hardline stance of Max Arfsten.
Edwards said on transfer work in general: “We're still working on stuff. We want to strengthen the whole group. We expect a few more recruits, not just one or two. I can't put an actual number on it but there are still a few areas we want to strengthen. But with one or two coming back from the treatment room and with Sontje in, we're already looking stronger than we were last week, so that's a plus.
“We're pretty clear on where we want to try and improve. Sontje is another player on the top line which is great. There are still a couple of areas which I don't want to go into for obvious reasons, but we're strengthening nicely. I'm really happy with the players who have come in. Rav has obviously moved on and we wish him well.
“We're still working really hard on bringing more in. I appreciate everyone wants them here and now and that's always the way. I do as well, but it doesn't work like that. I think pretty much every club will be feeling the same. I think we'll be in a good spot come the end of the window, but there'll be more arrivals in due course.”