Middlesbrough’s pursuit of a Championship star could be bad news for one of two players who occupy the same position.
Michael Carrick is looking to build a squad capable of battling for the Championship promotion places next season having finished narrowly short of the play-offs in 2023/24.
The Middlesbrough manager has the backing of the board and has already welcomed the first signing of the summer as Luke Ayling made his loan deal for the second half of last season permanent following the expiration of his Leeds United contract.
Another incoming appears imminent, with a £3.14 million transfer for Columbus Crew midfielder Aidan Morris set to be completed shortly.
Now the club are said to be keeping tabs on a former loanee, but will not rush into a deal due to the options they currently have in the same position.
Middlesbrough to ‘monitor’ Ryan Giles situation
Left-back is arguably not an area Middlesbrough need to strengthen this summer, but they could make a move for Ryan Giles if they feel they can snatch him from Hull City.
Giles was impressive on loan at Boro as they finished third in the Championship in the 2022/23 season, providing 11 league assists.
This form saw him earn a permanent move from parent club Wolves to newly-promoted Luton Town ahead of last season but he struggled to make an impact and was loaned to Hull in January.
Giles failed to match the heights of the season prior whilst at Hull and did not start any of the final seven games of the season.
However, Luton inserted an obligation to buy into the loan deal; meaning Hull must sign the left-back this summer regardless of whether he features in their plans.
According to a report in Teesside Live, Boro could offer both Hull and Giles a reprieve, as they say: ‘Boro will this summer monitor Ryan Giles’ situation at Hull City, with the left-back facing uncertainty and keen to rejoin Boro after a successful loan spell on Teesside in 2022-23.
It won’t be an easy deal to do and Boro won’t overpay for him when they have two solid left-back options already.’
Middlesbrough Giles interest means left-back uncertainty
The fact that Boro do currently have two decent options at left-back means it would be a surprise to see the club target Giles, however Carrick may feel the 24-year-old could be key to promotion.
If Boro do firm up their interest in Giles, it is likely to spell the end at the club for either Alex Bangura or Lukas Engel; both of whom were only signed in 2023 themselves.
The Teesside Live report states: ‘If there was a deal to be done on Giles, however, it would bring the futures of Bangura and Engel into doubt.
Engel played far more last season, but his performances were mixed to say the least.
Bangura showed more promise but struggled with injuries that limited his impact. One of the pair would likely have to move one if Giles is viable.’
Giles would undoubtedly be an upgrade on both current options, so it is now just a case of whether the need to sign him outweighs the desire to strengthen areas of the squad that perhaps need more urgent attention.