Middlesbrough have been linked with Ryan Giles for much of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick previously worked with Ryan Giles during his loan spell at the Riverside Stadium in 2022/23.
The left-back spent the entire campaign on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and proved to be a serious asset in Boro’s promotion push.
Middlesbrough finished that season fourth in the division, with Giles providing an impressive 11 assists in 45 league outings for the Teessiders.
Giles’ career has plateaued somewhat since departing the North East but the Reds have been trying to re-sign him during the current transfer window.
It was claimed in early July that Middlesbrough were preparing to bid for Giles.
Tigers owner Acun Ilicali then revealed Hull’s stance on Giles moving to Middlesbrough in the same month, stating they would let the Englishman join Boro if he wanted to.
This was a big boost for the club and seemed to indicate a move for the 24-year-old was close.
Ryan Giles to Middlesbrough transfer update
However, since that original update from Ilicali, the news coming out of Yorkshire has not been great.
The club’s vice-chairman Tan Kesler delivered a fresh transfer update on Giles, suggesting he would not be sold to Boro.
This was followed by another update from Ilicali last week, who stated Giles was not leaving Hull at the moment.
Now, speaking on the You Are My Boro podcast, journalist Scott Wilson has all but confirmed Middlesbrough will not sign Giles this summer.
Wilson does, however, expect Carrick’s side to try to sign another left-back before the deadline.
He said: “Boro will move on now. It’s pretty evident the Giles thing is just not going to happen.
“I’m pretty certain Boro will bring in a left-back just because the Bangura injury is so serious.
“I think they will sign a left-back and I think we will start to see movement on that in the next week or so.”
Should Middlesbrough sign another left-back
With Alex Bangura sidelined for a lengthy period for the second season in a row, it looks clear things are probably not going to work out for him on Teesside.
At present, that leaves Lukas Engel as Boro’s only senior fit left-back for the 2024/25 season.
Engel started as Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 in their Championship opener, putting in a rather average display.
The 25-year-old lacks the attacking threat of Giles and is yet to form a great connection with Riley McGree down Middlesbrough’s left flank.
Outside of Engel, youngster George McCormick could be an option for Carrick at left-back.
The centre-back was played out of position on the left in pre-season and performed well.
Middlesbrough face Leeds United in the League Cup on Wednesday evening and McCormick is expected to start.
Should he put on a stellar display against tough opposition, McCormick may negate the need for Boro to sign another left-back this summer.