Middlesbrough should look to strengthen their midfield by rivalling Rangers for a player who featured at Euro 2024.
Middlesbrough have been active on the transfer front this summer but they should still be looking to strengthen in the middle of the park.
Aidan Morris is set to join the North East outfit from Columbus Crew and will bring creativity to the base of Michael Carrick’s midfield.
However, even with the addition of Morris, Boro are likely going to need at least one more midfielder through the door this summer.
Question marks remain over Riley McGree’s future on Teesside with the Australian entering the final 12 months of his current contract.
Elsewhere, Turkish side Trabzonspor are said to have made an offer to Middlesbrough for the signing of Dan Barlaser.
Lewis O’Brien also departed the Riverside at the end of 2023/24 following a loan spell from Nottingham Forest, while Paddy McNair left the club for free when his contract expired earlier this month.
There is also the issue of Jonny Howson, who remains a key figure and the captain of Boro but is now 36 years old.
Middlesbrough should rival Rangers for Kenny McLean
As a result, Middlesbrough will likely need another central midfielder through the door this summer to ensure Carrick’s squad is at full strength.
One player Boro should look to target to solve this issue is Norwich City and Scotland midfielder, Kenny McLean.
McLean is under contract with Norwich until 2026, with an option of a further year, but is now the subject of transfer interest from Rangers.
Football Insider claim the Gers have been in contact with the Championship outfit to open preliminary talks over a possible deal for the 32-year-old. But Boro should look to beat them to the signing.
Why Middlesbrough should sign Kenny McLean
McLean joined Norwich from Aberdeen in 2018 and has gone on to feature 228 times for the Canaries.
The 32-year-old would bring a wealth of experience to Carrick’s side as they look to win promotion to the Premier League.
McLean has won the Championship twice with Norwich, in 2018/19 and 2020/21, and is also an experienced international.
The midfielder has made 41 appearances for Scotland, including three at Euro 2024.
Ex-Norwich boss Daniel Farke previously shared an insight into the type of player McLean is, describing his versatility and dubbing him ‘full of technical ability’, as per Norwich City’s club website.
Farke said: “He can play nearly each and every position in midfield – as a number ten, a number eight, a number six or as a winger who comes inside.
“He gives us various options, and is full of technical ability. He had a high passing quality and is able to score and assist.”
Said ability and versatility would no doubt boost Boro’s chances of promotion in 2024/25, but fending off Rangers to secure McLean will likely prove a tough ask.