Recently crowned Championship Player of the Year Patrick Bamford is a target for Southampton, meaning Middlesbrough’s chances of getting the youngster on loan next season are dwindling.
Contracted to Premier League leaders Chelsea after their purchase of the striker for £1.5 million in 2012, Southampton are keen to sign the forward on either a permanent or loan deal as they look to add to the squad which currently has them sitting 7th in the league.
Having enjoyed by far the best season of his young career, it is little wonder Bamford is attracting interest from top level Premier League sides.
Middlesbrough will be hoping to sign the 21 year-old on loan at the Riverside Stadium next season, and their chances of doing this will be greatly enhanced if they are to achieve promotion to England’s highest tier.
The Boro would have the advantage if it were to come down to Chelsea having to choose between clubs as to which to loan Bamford too; Aitor Karanka was formerly Jose Mourinho’s No.2 at Real Madrid, and Bamford’s development under Karanka this season is clear to see.
If they were to fail in retaining the services of the England U21 international, Boro would be losing their top scorer from this season – with 19 in all competitions.
