In a move that would surely upset neighbours Sunderland, reports suggest Michael Carrick could make a move for Manchester United starlet Amad Diallo.
Diallo was of course on loan with The Black Cats last season, scoring 13 goals and showing just why he is so highly thought of in the red half of Manchester. The Express Sport indicates that Middlesbrough boss Carrick could attempt to hijack any hint of a return to Wearside by taking him on loan at Boro.
The 21-year-old Ivorian is currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations and a decision on his future is likely to be made upon his return. Manchester United will not be short of offers for the skillful attacker who can play wide on the right or through the middle. The hope for Middlesbrough fans is that Michael Carrick can lean on his healthy relationship with Manchester United to help facilitate a deal.
Change in position for Diallo?
Where Diallo would fit in at Boro is an interesting one. Isaiah Jones and Marcuss Forss both operate on the right and so the likelihood is that Diallo would be eyed as a potential weapon to play as a centre-forward, in a similar role to that occupied by Cameron Archer last season.
That said, Diallo would be an asset right across the attacking forward line. His stats on FotMob website indicate just how dangerous a player he was last season in the Championship. As well as his 13 goals, he had an overall rating of 7.4, he completed 64 successful dribbles (top 96% in terms of those playing same position), hit 1144 successful passes with a pass accuracy of 86.3% (again in top 96% of players).
Comparing those stats to Isaiah Jones, you can see that Diallo is slightly different in style. Jones completed 712 successful passes, with 45 successful dribbles, but did create 42 chances to Diallo’s 40. The Boro wide man is arguably more adept at tackling back and contributing from a defensive point of view on the right. isaiah won twice as many tackles as Diallo last season.
Boro short up top
Middlesbrough are having to think of alternative solutions up front with both Josh Coburn and Emannuel Latte Lath both out injured. Morgan Rogers and Sami Silvera have both been used there in recent weeks, but Silvera is currently away on international duty at The Asian Cup.
Marcus Forss is now free from injury and could play through the middle, but there is no doubt, if Boro were to land Diallo, who once cost United £18 million, his pace would be a very attractive proposition as a central striker.
Much will depend on whether Erik Ten Hag is able to strengthen in those areas this month. If not, Diallo could find himself getting more opportunities at Old Trafford.