According to latest reports, Middlesbrough are in the race to sign West Bromwich Albion‘s winger Matt Phillips. The Teessiders lost in the playoff semifinals last season and will be looking to go one step further in the upcoming season. The Boro have been defensively organised and are in need of attacking and creative players.
Along with the Boro, newly promoted Cardiff City are in the race to sign him. They are valuing the player at £11m and it remains to be seen whether Boro will be able to match such kind of bid for the 27-year-old. Newcastle United are also in the mix as well according to some reports, so Middlesbrough will certainly be below the pecking order given the fact that they are competing against a few Premier League sides.
With West Brom going down to the Championship, it is expected that some of their players will move away from the club as the players will have an ambition of playing in the English topflight. This will make Middlesbrough an unlikelier destination for the player.
Phillips has an experience of over 130 games in the Championship and the Teessiders will definitely want an experienced man like him down the right wing.
Boro winger Adama Traore has been linked with a move away from the club and Tony Pulis could be looking for a replacement for him. Traore is going to fetch some good numbers in the transfer market as Chelsea are being linked with him and the Teessiders can use that money to improve other areas in their squad.
Phillips has already played under Pulis so the manager will be aware what the player can bring to the table. Last season, he was regular for the Baggies as he had made 34 appearances in all competitions but couldn’t help his side from going down to the Championship.
Traore will be a big miss for Tony Pulis as he has bursting pace. However, Phillips will be a valuable addition as he has a good amount of experience. He had represented England at the youth level but opted to play for Scotland at the senior level as he was likely to get more first-team opportunities with them.
The challenge in the Championship will be higher as clubs like West Brom, Stoke City and Swansea City will be expected to fight for the playoff spot. With some top flight clubs eyeing a move for the 27-year-old winger Boro will find it tough to get their man.
