Middlesbrough are set for a Yorkshire showdown over Liverpool winger Ben Doak after the club made him available for loan.
The signing of Federico Chiesa at Anfield has put the 18-year-old’s short-term future at The Reds in doubt, with Arne Slot’s side reportedly weighing up offers for Doak and Tyler Morton. The winger was selected by Darrell Clarke as part of the Scotland squad for the upcoming international break.
Boro are now said to be pursuing a loan move before the window shuts at 11pm tonight but will face stiff competition. Sky Sports notes that Hull City are the main competitor in the deal, having previous experience with working with Liverpool and The Reds will decide which club is best for his development.
Both Morton and Fabio Carvalho spent time in East Yorkshire last season on loan, contributing heavily in their failed push for play-off football last season. The Portuguese winger scored nine times in 20 appearances after arriving in January, and that form helped him earn a £27.5 million move to Brentford.
The Tigers were reported yesterday to have agreed a deal with Liverpool for Doak, fending off both Premier League and Championship interest. But now Michael Carrick’s side have entered the fray, which could cause disruption in the final hours of the window.
Premier League wingers have already arrived on Teeside this summer, sealing a permanent move for Manchester City’s Micah Hamilton. Tommy Conway has also arrived from Bristol City, but has found himself behind Emmanuel Latte Lath so far.
Ipswich Town have been monitoring the Ivorian international as part of their search for a striker. Armando Broja was reportedly moving to Portman Road but a medical with The Tractor Boys halted a deal with Chelsea.
Writer’s View
Ben Doak has been an exciting prospect at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp but the change in manager has seen a shift away from using the academy’s players. Bobby Clark and Lewis Koumas have both been sent away to Salzburg and Stoke City respectively, Carvalho and Sepp Van Den Berg have both moved to Brentford and Stefan Bajtetic reportedly also leaving on loan. Doak now gets a chance to play regularly rather than an understudy to Mo Salah, which could help in years to come as the Egyptian’s contract runs out next year.
Middlesbrough are probably in a weaker position compared to Hull City. Liverpool have an existing relationship with Tim Walter’s side and it would seem like they are set to continue that with an agreement with the Scotsman. Isaiah Jones has been a good option for Boro so Michael Carrick’s focus should be on being reactive should Ipswich decide on a move for Emmanuel Latte Lath for the remaining hours.
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