Middlesbrough have been quite busy during the January transfer window trying to strengthen their squad for a major playoff push. However, they may not be done yet as interest in a position of need might require attention with only hours to spare.
Anfernee Dijksteel has been a regular in Michael Carrick’s side this season and has scored a couple of goals in his eighteen appearances for the Teesiders.
Football League World has revealed that Derby County and QPR have expressed interest in the Boro right back, but the northeastern club had told both sides that they will not allow Dijksteel to move unless a replacement is found. With only hours left before the window closes, time for a deal might be brief.
Derby County Require Reinforcements
With the injury to Kane Wilson a couple of weeks ago, Derby County are in desperate straits to get reinforcements at right back.
Currently 22nd in the table and on a seven-game losing skid, the Rams have identified the Suriname international as a prime target for their needs.
With Paul Warne’s side having already brokered a deal for Matt Clarke with Middlesbrough, the Rams are hoping to keep a good relationship with the northeasterners going.
Middlesbrough, however, are also thin at right back. With Dijksteel and Luke Ayling as the only right-backs at the club, any departure would leave the club incredibly thin at the position, so they would reportedly like to have another option before letting the 28-year-old leave.
While the Teesiders have also been in talks with Derby County over Dan Barlasser, nothing has come of those talks thus far. Derby County are seeking to get any reinforcements to help them stay afloat and stop their awful run of form.
QPR Seeking Additions For Play-Off Push
As it stands, QPR are in the midst of a hotly contested playoff hunt. The R’s are fourteenth in the Championship and only seven points off of the playoffs. However, the team may need further additions to make a late-season push to contend with the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn, Middlesbrough, and Norwich City.
A club can never have enough depth, and Dijksteel would prove to be quality in a position that QPR are inconsistent at. Since the Suriname man is more of an attacking option, bringing him to Loftus Road would help improve an attack that seems okay at best and inconsistent at worst. The loss at Millwall the other day proves that the R’s need all the attacking help they can get.
While there seems to be quite a ways to go before any deals are talked about, it is interesting to see the interest that Middlesbrough players have accrued interest lately with the likes of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Hayden Hackney, Dan Barlasser, Alex Gilbert, and even Dijksteel all the subject of interest from various clubs.
It shows that the manager knows how to develop players, and clubs are starting to notice the kind of quality that is in the Boro squad, which is quite a good indictment of Michael Carrick.
