A talkSPORT pundit has shared his thoughts on Middlesbrough’s latest transfer target, Tommy Conway.
Middlesbrough are now just over one week away from their 2024/25 Championship season getting underway.
Expectations are high at Middlesbrough ahead of a potential promotion push in the new campaign.
In a bid to return to the Premier League for the first time in seven years, Steve Gibson has backed Michael Carrick heavily in the transfer market.
Delano Burgzorg, Luke Ayling, and Aidan Morris have all joined the club as first-team additions this summer.
16-year-old centre-back Harley Hunt also made the move to the Riverside from Swindon Town and is now part of Boro’s academy.
Over the last week or so, meanwhile, the Teessiders have been linked with a fresh group of potential targets.
Boro News reported on July 18th that Middlesbrough were looking at the foreign market to strengthen on the left wing this summer.
It has since emerged that Middlesbrough are set to rival Sunderland for a European winger.
It was then reported last weekend that Middlesbrough have offered €1.75m for 18-year-old midfielder, Yusuf Sertkaya.
TalkSPORT pundit gives verdict on Middlesbrough target Tommy Conway
The latest name tipped to make a move to the North East this summer is Bristol City striker, Tommy Conway.
Middlesbrough were first linked with Conway on Monday evening, with Boro said to have opened talks over a move.
Then, on Tuesday afternoon, details of Middlesbrough’s bid for Conway emerged, with the Teessiders believed to have offered up £5m for the striker.
Now, talkSPORT pundit Phil Spencer has given his verdict on Boro’s latest transfer target.
He said: “Tommy Conway could be an absolutely brilliant signing for Middlesbrough if they can pull it off this summer.
“Middlesbrough have been pretty active already in the transfer market, but I think the one key position that fans are still looking out for, for Michael Carrick to strengthen, is in attack.
“Now Conway is someone who has exactly that. He’s a perfect fit as far as Middlesbrough are concerned. He’s someone who can come in and provide support and competition for Emmanuel Latte Lath.
“He’s 21 years of age, which fits in with Middlesbrough’s recruitment model of signing players who are going to grow and develop, ultimately increase in value and hopefully grow with the club as they aspire to reach the Premier League.”
Why Middlesbrough may not need to sign Conway
Spencer gave a glowing review of Conway but he may not be needed at Middlesbrough right now.
The City man scored 10 goals in 39 league games last term – a decent record but nothing to write home about.
And if he is signed, the Scotsman will be used as rotation for Emmanuel Latte Lath, who netted 11 in his last 12 league games.
£5m for a backup centre-forward seems a bit much for a side in the Championship, especially when Carrick already has decent cover for Latte Lath.
Josh Coburn scored five in 21 during an injury-hit 2023/24 and still has the potential to develop further.
New signing Delano Burgzorg played as a striker while on loan at Huddersfield Town, so can provide cover in that area.
Furthermore, academy starlet Sonny Finch has shone in pre-season for Middlesbrough and could be given more minutes in 2024/25.
None of these options are completely perfect backup for Latte Lath, but they may be better than spending £5m on a substitute striker.