Middlesbrough may lose Seny Dieng this summer transfer window.
The Teessiders sanctioned the sales of Chuba Akpom and Morgan Rogers in the last two transfer windows and they could move Dieng on as Newcastle United circle.
The Senegalese shot-stopper joined Michael Carrick‘s side in a £2m deal from Queens Park Rangers last year and has impressed in his debut campaign.
So much so, that The Magpies are looking at bringing him up north to become Nick Pope’s understudy next term.
Should Dieng depart, Boro don’t need to look at signing a replacement, as they already have one contracted to the club.
Middlesbrough have Seny Dieng replacement in Liam Roberts
Liam Roberts would be a ready-made replacement for Dieng after his impressive season out on loan at League One promotion hopefuls Barnsley.
The 29-year-old has polished his skillset at the Tykes and has played a key role in their promotion push, as they finished sixth.
A play-off campaign awaits Roberts and if his side are to gain promotion to the Championship, he’ll certainly be wanted back at Oakwell.
The former Walsall shot-stopper is out of contract at the end of June, so Boro chiefs should look to extend his deal with Dieng’s future remaining in the balance.
Keeping Liam Roberts would allow Michael Carrick to invest elsewhere
Keeping Roberts at the club would allow Carrick to invest in other areas of the squad.
Out wide, Boro need to add a goalscoring winger following Rogers’ departure to Aston Villa during the January transfer window.
So a top-class addition there would likely require at least half of the budget and then a potential Luke Ayling replacement.
The veteran right-back has been excellent since arriving on loan from Leeds United in Janaury but he mightn’t be signed permanently, leaving a huge void.
Further, if Lewis O’Brien doesn’t rejoin after his loan spell from Nottingham Forest, that’s another player who needs replacing and it won’t be easy to find a similar calibre of player for a reasonable fee.
So all things considered, it’s in Middlesbrough‘s best interests to retain Roberts as it’d allow Carrick more scope to sign in priority positions.