Young Middlesbrough striker Ajay Matthews is attracting interest from a number of top European clubs ahead of the summer.
That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says that the teenager is likely to leave the Championship club at the end of this season.
Matthews joined ‘Boro at Under 9s level, and has since worked his way up through the academy ranks at the club.
This season has seen the 17-year-old enjoy some excellent form, scoring 16 goals in 17 starts for Middlesbrough across Under 18s and Under 21s football.
He is though, still waiting for his first opportunity with Michael Carrick’s senior side.
He has also previously been capped twice by England at Under 17 level, and it now appears as though his progress is starting to catch the eyes of numerous clubs elsewhere.
Transfer chase for Matthews
As per this latest update from Romano, several clubs are now looking at Matthews following his exploits for ‘Boro’s youth team this season.
Indeed, it is thought that some of the biggest clubs on the continent are among those who are keen to sign the teenager.
As a result, a move for the striker in the summer is now said to be “likely” to happen. Last summer, Matthews signed his first professional contract with Middlesbrough.
That was a two-year deal that secures his future at The Riverside Stadium until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Consequently, Middlesbrough will be able to demand a fee for Matthews if he is to move on this summer, although it could be their last chance to do so.
Middlesbrough clinging on in play-off race
With just four games of the regular season remaining, Middlesbrough currently sit ninth in the Championship table, six points adrift of the top six spots.
As a result, Michael Carrick’s side may still hold a slim hope of breaking into the play-offs for a chance of promotion this season, however unlikely.
Boro are next in action on Saturday afternoon, when they travel to Portman Road to face automatic promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town.
A big decision for Matthews to make
It looks as though there are going to be some tough calls for Matthews to make over the next few months judging by these claims.
Firstly, he will have to decide if he does indeed want to leave Middlesbrough. He has been at the club for a long time now, and they have given him this opportunity in the game, so it may be hard to say goodbye.
He may also feel that given he is playing Under 21s football, and making an impact, already, he may not be far away from breaking into the first-team setup at The Riverside either.
Given he ought to be aware of the ambition of breaking back into the Premier League that the club will hold, staying may present him with some big opportunities in the near future.
If however, he does decide to leave, then he is also going to have to make a call over which club he wants to join.
Considering the fact he apparently has a number of Europe’s big clubs after him, who could each have a lot to offer going forward, that may not be the easiest decision for Matthews to make either.
