Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has said that ‘the door is open’ to Patrick Bamford, who is rumoured to want to return to Boro after struggling to make an impact in a loan move with Crystal Palace.
The Spaniard told Gazette Live that the 22-year-old striker, who was last season’s Championship Player of the Year, is on his radar with the youngster currently situated at Selhurst Park and is finding it hard to really make his mark with Alan Pardew’s men. Nevertheless, Karanka still holds Bamford is high regard and clearly wouldn’t say no if he was offered a return to Riverside Stadium,
“I think it’s understandable that he is linked with us because he was really successful last season here.
Everybody has a good relationship with him at this club. I have always said that the door is open to him, I have a good relationship with him and we will try to make the best decision for everybody.”
At this stage there is no decision to be made as Bamford still remains a Crystal Palace player, and parent club Chelsea haven’t recalled him as of yet. However the situation could well change in January, as it was recently revealed that there is a release clause in his loan contract, meaning Middlesbrough could potentially swoop in with a loan move of their own.
However there is also the chance that Jose Mourinho could want him back to potentially bolster his striking options with the current Premier League champions, who are desperately struggling for form so far this season.
Bamford scored 19 goals for Boro last season, after spending the season with the club on loan. He featured in the play-off final against Norwich City, but couldn’t inspire his side to victory. Karanka already has a plethora of options in forward areas with his squad at present, with David Nugent the number one striker, and Kike firmly the second choice. The likes of Albert Adomah, Stewart Downing, Diego Fabbrini, Cristhian Stuani and Adam Forshaw are all other offensive options. However Karanka clearly wouldn’t refuse the chance to extend those options with the signing of Bamford, if offered.
