French side RC Lens have reportedly made Middlesbrough an eight million pound offer to sign striker Chuba Akpom.
It is thought that – as reported by Sky Sports News – that Boro value the forward man at £15m and will not be selling until confident that they have a replacement.
The report also suggests that it is ‘unlikely’ that Akpom will sign a new deal with the north east club.
It comes as speculation surrounding the status of the former Arsenal man has intensified, with Sheffield United also said to be interested.
The 27-year-old is yet to play for Middlesbrough this season, with Michael Carrick insisting that the player is injured and working his way back to fitness.
The head coach has previously insisted that Akpom is still contracted to the club and is happy to stay, but the club’s hierarchy will have a decision to make if the player chooses not to renew his contract.
The player has a year remaining on his current deal, and Boro may struggle to turn down an offer for someone who is into their final year, with the option of leaving for nothing if a new deal is not reached. The caveat with accepting a deal for Akpom, is that they risk missing out on the goals return he managed last season, bagging 29 goals in all competitions.
In a recent interview, Akpom insisted that he is happy to be at the club, but also acknowledged that some things are beyond his control. This may be one of those occasions where the business side of football takes precedent over what the fans and manager want to happen.
Sky Sports also suggest that as well as Sheffield United, one other European club are interested. At this stage there is no news of who that club may be.
The club are not under any pressure to sell Akpom at a cut price though and may decide that so long as the player is happy and ready to give everything for the team, he may be more valuable to the side than the money on offer.
Middlesbrough fans will be waiting with baited breath to see what the outcome of this long protracted transfer situation is.