Middlesbrough are attempting to prise German midfielder Lukas Rupp from relegated Bundesliga side Stuttgart and have reportedly already begun talks over a potential deal to bring the 25 year old to the Riverside.
German newspaper Bild claim that talks between the clubs have already been initiated and the player favours a move to the UK following the club’s relegation, with Middlesbrough keen to jump to the front of the queue by moving quickly.
The player is predominantly an attacking midfielder who can play on either flank too. Obviously it was a poor season for Rupp’s club but he was one of the plus points in their campaign with 5 goals and 4 assists.
He only arrived at Stuttgart last season on a three year deal but reports suggest that the midfielder will be wanting away this summer with the UK his preferred destination.
Rupp previously played for Karlsruher, which is where he began his career before moving on to Borussia Monchengladbach and SD Paderborn.
Middlesbrough will be busy in the transfer market this summer as they look to establish a squad which can hold their own in the Premier League, with the attacking midfield position, a position which Boro will surely be looking to strengthen in.
Middlesbrough have already been linked significantly with players from a host of European clubs and something Middlesbrough may seek to take advantage of is viewing players from European clubs that have been relegated from the top division, with the hope that a better deal can be negotiated. It is generally thought that Steve Gibson will not want to break the wage structure at the club, despite pledging to throw money at the squad and ‘have a real go’.
Middlesbrough will be in the market for top players but it will definitely have to make sense for the club business wise.
