The latest transfer talk from Middlesbrough as they look to add more new faces to their squad ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline.
Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to secure a loan deal for Ipswich Town winger Jack Clarke just days after he scored a late winning goal against former club Sunderland.
The Tractor Boys marked their first game back in the Premier League by inflicting a dramatic defeat on the Europa League-bound Black Cats at Portman Road. Clarke was the match-winner as his late strike ensured the hosts collected all three points against his former employers - the former Sunderland star immediately described his decisive strike as a surreal moment.
placeholder image
Getty Images
Speaking after the game, the winger said: “It’s sort of bittersweet. Even now, it’s not sunk in too much in terms of how surreal of a moment it was. I’d had it in the back of my head coming in to today that if I did get the opportunity and score, I’d try to be as respectful as possible. I don’t know if the moment or the adrenaline took over. It felt like it had been a long time coming.”
Although the goal appears to have given Clarke a platform to gain regular game-time, journalist Alan Nixon has suggested Boro are looking to push for a loan move for the winger before the summer transfer window comes to a close next Tuesday night. Clarke is said to be one of multiple targets in wide areas and Leicester City’s Stephy Mavididi has also been named as a possible addition to a Boro squad that will hope to push for promotion into the Premier League once again this summer.
Hellberg delivers update on new signing
placeholder image
AFP via Getty Images
Middlesbrough fans may have to wait to see their latest signing in action after Kim Hellberg gave an update on when Ashley Phillips could make his Boro debut.
The centre-back was snapped up in a deal from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month and has been working hard on the training ground to reach full fitness. However, Hellberg believes Phillips will not feature in the Carabao Cup tie at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night and is still ‘a bit away’ from being available.
After initially responding to a question over Phillips’ possible debut with ‘far’, the Boro boss expanded by saying: "I don't think [Doncaster], maybe next Saturday. He's a bit away."