Middlesbrough are said to be interested in taking young Irish defender Sam Curtis to Teesside, with a host of other top clubs also interested in the teenager.
In a report by football website TEAMtalk, it is alleged that Manchester City and Manchester United have ‘made contact’ regarding the availability of the right-back who has impressed clubs off the back of a very strong season with current side St Patricks.
St Patricks finished third in the League of Ireland Premier Division and with their campaign now over, it is believed that he could make a move away from his native Ireland in January.
The 17-year-old has already featured at Under-18 level for Republic of Ireland and was named ROI Under-18 Player of the Year for 2022.
The sky is the limit for youngster
Pundits have been waxing lyrical about the St Pat’s defender who has already made 61 senior appearances. Speaking of the teenage talent, former St Patricks and Burnley midfielder Keith Treacy said recently in an interview with Off The Ball site on ‘X’ platform that, ‘The sky is the limit’, for the player who has attracted so much attention.
As well as the two Manchester based clubs and Middlesbrough, Everton, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Sheffield United are also said to be keen. Manchester City have already shown interest in Curtis’ 16-year-old St Patricks teammate Mason Meila who also on their radar. Meila has already enjoyed a trial with the seven-time Premier League winners.
In the case of Middlesbrough, Curtis would tick a lot of boxes. The most obvious thing to acknowledge is that once again, Boro are linked with a player that fits into their golden rule of signing players under the age of 24. The club’s recruitment vision over the last 18 months to two years has seen them sign no fewer than ten players who are 24 or under on permanent contracts.
Boro need to strengthen at right-back
The talented Irish defender also plays at right-back, a position that Michael Carrick would potentially be looking to strengthen should the opportunity arise. Tommy Smith is carrying a long-term injury, Rav van den Berg is currently first choice in that position, and performing very well, in fact, van den Berg has been one of the stand-out performers for Michael Carrick’s side this season, but his role may change, based on transfer activity amongst the rest of the squad.
Paddy McNair is out of contract at the end of the season, his situation could have a knock-on effect depending on whether the club decide to sell or renew his contract. Should they agree to the sale of McNair, van den Berg would be ideally placed to partner Fry in his more favoured centre-back role, thus leaving the club short at right-back. Anfernee Dijksteel is currently the only fit specialist right-back available.
It remains to be seen whether Middlesbrough can land such a player with so many top clubs interested, but fans would do well to remember that the same was said about Dutch defender Rav van den Berg and the Teesside outfit apparently beat the likes of Roma to his signature.