Middlesbrough are bound to see speculation around a number of their players come the summer transfer window.
There are a number of high profile players in Michael Carrick‘s squad, who could attract attention from elsewhere.
With ‘Boro currently looking as though they could find it hard to break into the play-off places, it also looks unlikely they will win promotion this season.
That in turn, may mean that other teams, will be tempted to try and poach some of the best talent currently on the books at Middlesbrough.
Now, two more players who could be set to leave The Riverside Stadium at the end of this season have been identified by one reporter.
Middlesbrough duo tipped to exit
One Middlesbrough player who has already attracted plenty of interest in the lead up to the summer, is Hayden Hackney.
Speaking previously, journalist Graeme Bailey has suggested that the midfielder is bound to leave the club this summer.
However, he has also stated that he expects Rav van den Berg to remain at the club, despite speculation around his future.
Now, the journalist has named two more individuals he believes could leave Middlesbrough this summer.
Speaking to boro.news about the players he thinks could leave the club, Bailey said:
“I think there’ll be some big name departures. Paddy McNair wont be staying, that’s for sure. Will Riley McGree stay? I hope he does personally, I’m not sure whether Riley McGree fits into Michael Carrick’s plans, so he’s one to keep an eye on. I think we’ll see a few departures that might surprise a few fans.”
Mixed reactions to player exits
There are likely to be differing sentiments on the suggestions that McNair and McGree could leave the club this summer.
McNair is out of contract at Middlesbrough come the end of this season. He has also not always been a regular and first choice starter for Carrick’s side over the course of the campaign.
As a result, when it comes to McNair, it would seem as though a parting of the ways could make sense for all concerned.
However, you imagine that the same cannot really be said with regards to the suggestion of a departure for McGree.
The midfielder has been more heavily involved for Middlesbrough when fit and available over the course of the campaign.
He has made 22 league appearances this season despite some injury issues. Those have also brought some useful contributions, with the midfielder scoring four goals and providing one assist in that time.
Admittedly, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer. That could make this window their last chance to cash in on him.
However, the fact he has a part to play for the team, means you wonder whether Middlesbrough may favour offering him a new deal.
With all that in mind, it will be interesting to see just how things play out in the next few months, with regards to the future of McGree in particular.