Burnley have seen an £8 million offer for defender Dael Fry rejected by Middlesbrough, according to Sky Sports.
The exciting young centre back is regarded as one of English football’s most promising defensive prospects, and Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate is determined to do all he can to retain Fry’s services.
Fry made his senior debut in a Boro shirt at just 17 years of age back in 2015 in a 0-0 draw with Preston North End, in which he also claimed the man of the match award. The towering centre half has represented England at U17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 levels and was part of the Under 21’s Toulan tournament triumph last year.
Burnley’s interest in Fry no doubt spawns from the uncertainty regarding the future of the ever prominent James Tarkowski, who is being eyed as a potential Harry Maguire replacement at Leicester.
A problem for Burnley however – in which case a positive for Boro – is that Fry signed a new 5 year deal on Teesside only last year, meaning if the Premier League outfit were to launch another bid it would have to be substantially higher, perhaps around the same price of Adam Webster’s transfer from Bristol City to Brighton. On the other hand, Middlesbrough’s financial fair play situation may mean Burnley could strike a cheaper deal as Boro attempt to make financial amends.