Middlesbrough are said to be looking to secure a deal to bring Swindon Town defender Harrison Minturn to Teesside.
The 20-year-old centre-back has made 23 appearances this term and according to journalist Alan Nixon, is believed to be catching the eye of the Boro recruitment team.
His contract runs until June 2025 and the Robins could be looking to cash in on the prospect who would likely spend some time in the Boro academy should he join up with the Championship side.
It is no secret that Michael Carrick is on the lookout for a defender, having been previously linked with the likes of Charlie Cresswell of Leeds and Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall. But this deal would surely be more of a move for a future talent, rather than someone who would challenge for first team duties immediately.
Minturn fits Boro recruitment policy
The move is in keeping with Boro’s recruitment policy of buying young prospects that could become saleable assets. The potential for success with that model is highlighted by the current situation with Morgan Rogers, who before Boro bought him for £1 million, was a relatively unknown quantity playing in Manchester City’s reserves. Having showcased his ability in a Boro shirt for 6 months, he is now commanding attention from high-flying Aston Villa who allegedly see him as their number one target this window.
The concerns in defence are subsiding for injury-ravaged Middlesbrough. Matt Clarke, Rav van den Berg, Paddy McNair and Dael Fry are all now fit and available to play the centre-back position. The only long term absentee is Darragh Lenihan.
However, there was rumoured interest from Luton Town in McNair in the summer window, and there has been no update on his contract which expires in the summer. The general feeling is that he could be expendable. A lot will depend on the quality brought in to the squad, but as with most clubs, the group needs to be trimmed down to off-set the incomings.
Squad could be trimmed this month
So far, Middlesbrough have brought in Finn Azaz on a permanent contract, and Luke Ayling on a loan deal, that could potentially turn in to a longer term one depending on how both parties view his contribution and suitability.
There has been no other mention of other clubs looking at Minturn at this point, so it is fair to assume that the if both clubs agreed, the player would be positive about what would be a huge escalation in his career trajectory.
Minturn was at Swindon’s academy for 12 years before signing a professional contract with the club in 2022.