Middlesbrough have been linked with Ryan Giles for much of the summer transfer window so far.
Ryan Giles joined Boro on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers for the 2022/23 season.
The left-back enjoyed a prolific stint at the Riverside Stadium, playing a key role as Michael Carrick and his men finished fourth in the Championship.
Middlesbrough went on to lose to Coventry City in the play-off semi-final but it was an impressive season nonetheless.
Since he provided 11 assists in 45 league matches for the Teessiders, fans have long hoped that Giles would return to the club in the future.
Middlesbrough have been linked with the Englishman for much of the summer so far as Carrick aims to continue improving his squad before deadline day on August 30th.
Reports emerged in early July that stated Middlesbrough were preparing to bid for Giles.
Tigers owner Acun Ilicali then revealed Hull’s stance on Giles moving to Middlesbrough, stating they would let the Englishman join Boro if he wanted to.
Ryan Giles to Middlesbrough transfer update
In turn, it seemed likely that the Teessiders would be able to complete a move for the full-back this summer.
Boro’s need for left-back reinforcements increased during pre-season after Alex Bangura suffered another long-term injury.
And now, a fresh update on Middlesbrough’s plan to sign a left-back in the final few weeks of the transfer has emerged via the Northern Echo.
Unfortunately for those Boro fans who want to see Giles back at the Riverside, it is claimed that a deal for the 24-year-old is now on the back burner.
However, Middlesbrough are still pursuing a left-back to provide some much-needed cover for Lukas Engel now Bangura is out.
But Liverpool defender Owen Beck is not understood to be of interest to the Teessiders.
Middlesbrough may have found left-back solution
Middlesbrough being in the market for a new left-back this month does make sense.
Engel has already had to start three games in the space of seven days due to Bangura’s absence.
However, while signing a new player is not a bad option, Boro may already have a solution to their defensive issue on their books.
19-year-old George McCormick has been called up to the senior side over the last few months.
The defender is yet to start a competitive game for Middlesbrough but performed admirably in pre-season.
McCormick is a natural centre-back but was deployed on the left during Boro’s summer schedule.
He excelled in his new role and could, in theory, become a regular starter for Middlesbrough with Bangura out.
Granted, McCormick does lack senior experience, but at this stage of the transfer window, Boro are likely to loan an inexperienced, young Premier League left-back anyway.
So, Middlesbrough should just give that role to McCormick, who is already familiar with the first-team squad and manager.