Having taken over Middlesbrough on Boxing Day last year, Tony Pulis did pretty well to take the club to a place in the playoffs for promotion. But the squad at Riverside failed to step up when it mattered the most, as they struggled to get past Aston Villa.
But Pulis seems determined to take the side a step further next season and has been a busy man this summer, looking to add some quality to his first team for the upcoming campaign. But he will also have to keep an eye on the players who are currently at the club and could be tempted to quit this summer. One such player, attracting interests from around the country is Britt Assombalonga.
Born and brought up in Zaire, the 25-year old started his senior career in England with Watford but failed to make a name for himself until he joined Peterborough United in 2013. He scored 23 goals in his only season at the club, before being picked up by Nottingham Forest the next summer.
He spent three seasons at City Ground, scoring 30 league goals before joining Middlesbrough last summer. He made an immediate impact at the club, scoring a brace in his third and sixth games for the club in the Championship, announcing himself to the league. He ended the season with 15 goals in 34 league starts and was the first choice striker for Pulis towards the end of the campaign.
Patrick Bamford, Rudy Gestede, and Ashley Fletcher all got their chances but Assombalonga was consistent and showed great persistence in front of goal. He may not be ready for the Premier League but at 25, he has enough exposure to retain his place in the first team at Riverside next season.
However, his numbers have attracted the likes of Leeds United, Birmingham City and Swansea City. All three clubs are ready to make a move but reports suggest that Pulis, despite listening to offers, will not let him leave for cheap.
Having spent a productive season at the club, the Congo international has no real reason to shift clubs this summer. He is settled, is one of the first names on the team sheet for Pulis and only has to prove himself for another season before big clubs from the top flight come calling.
Read More: Middlesbrough Lining Up Summer Move For 28 Y/O Newcastle United Midfielder: Right Choice For Pulis?
So Boro should do what it takes to keep him at the club for another season, which will allow the manager to concentrate on improving other areas of the squad. But do you think Middlesbrough should accept a huge bid for Assombalonga and spend on improving the side?
