Middlesbrough are adjudged to have held initial negotiations to extend the contract of defender Rav Van Den Berg despite interest from the top flight, according to a report from the Northern Echo. 

The 19-year-old joined Michael Carrick’s side in the summer after the Championship side beat several talented European sides to his signature, but his impressive form for the club has attracted interest from the Premier League.

Confirming the news on their website, the Northern Echo journalist Dominic Shaw stated…

‘Van den Berg continues to be monitored by a string of European clubs and Boro are understood to have held initial talks over a new and improved contract with the 19-year-old.’

Why will Middlesbrough be facing an uphill battle?

The defender has featured 34 times in all competitions this season following his £1 million arrival from Dutch side PEC Zwolle, proving his ability on the pitch as well as his maturity as he’s sustained just two yellow cards and zero red cards this season.

The Dutch U21 international has managed a passing success rate of 88.1% this season, proving his ability to suit Michael Carrick’s style of play. Similarly, the defender has managed some impressive defensive statistics including 106 duel wins, 37 interceptions and 146 ball recoveries this season.

For a 19-year-old, his versatility and presence as been a rock during a tough season for Middlesbrough and he has proven that he has a very bright future in the top divisions.

What clubs have been credited with an interest?

Before his move to Middlesbrough, the likes of Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Roma were all interested in securing his services, but the defender opted for the North East of England, which has allowed him to excel although big clubs have still been credited with interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

These clubs include Premier League duo West Ham United and Brighton Hove Albion, who both have a track record of developing young players (especially the latter) as well as a series of currently unnamed European sides although it hasn’t been confirmed whether these are new sides or sides from the previous summer window.

How difficult could it be for Middlesbrough to keep him this summer?

Van Den Berg is 19 years old but is already an U21s international and playing week in and week out in a very competitive division and standing out. Middlesbrough continues to face the strong realisation that they will be in the Championship again next season.

This will increase the pressure that the football club have to try and retain the defender, knowing top-flight clubs from across Europe will be monitoring him and would be in a position to offer him more money and a higher quality of football.

However, the defender could opt to stay at the Riverside and use another season to build on his debut campaign and help the club push on next season.