Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry has been subject to an £8 million bid from Premier League side Burnley this week, with the Teessiders ultimately rejecting their approach.
According to Lancs Live, Middlesbrough value Fry at around £15 million – the same fee Burnley paid to Boro for the transfer of Ben Gibson at the start of last season.
Since arriving at Turf Moor, Gibson has played just one Premier League game, and Middlesbrough could be reluctant to sell Fry to the same club as his former teammate in the best interest of the player.
The interest from Burnley comes off the back of the sale of Leicester City’s Harry Maguire to Manchester United. Leicester are now preparing a bid for Claret’s centre back James Tarkowski, and Burnley have identified Fry as a long term replacement, if he was to depart.
Equally, defender Kevin Long could also be on his way out at Turf Moor, as Nottingham Forest have expressed an interest.
Although Middlesbrough value Fry in the region of £15 million, they are not looking to sell one of the prized assets. The 21-year old enjoyed a breakthrough season last campaign, playing 39 games across the season under previous boss Tony Pulis,
Now after the sale of Aden Flint this summer to Cardiff City, Middlesbrough are relatively short in the centre-back department. Dael Fry, Dani Ayala and Ryan Shotton will be in rotation throughout the term, and with only two days of the transfer window remaining, Boro will be unlikely to entertain any offers for Fry.
