Journalist makes claim on Middlesbrough star’s future amid Everton, West Ham links
Graeme Bailey doesn’t believe Rav van den Berg will leave Middlesbrough during the summer unless a “silly” offer comes in for him, speaking in an interview with Boro News.
The Dutchman, who only recently joined the Teesside team, would have hoped to play for a team that was actively pursuing promotion.
Regretfully, given the strength of the teams in the promotion mix, they are now outsiders to secure a top-six finish and promotion appears unlikely at this time.
Van den Berg will still be happy with his debut season at the Riverside, though, as he is now playing well and has drawn interest from Premier League teams.
Everton has been mentioned as a potential suitor for the defender, which is not surprising given that they also have Hull City’s Jacob Greaves on their shortlist.
With Jarrad Branthwaite potentially departing in the summer, they will need a replacement and the Toffees are seemingly turning their attention to the Championship.
Whether he would make the move to Goodison Park remains to be seen though, with his brother Sepp representing Liverpool.
Graeme Bailey on interest in Middlesbrough’s van den Berg
The 19-year-old is reportedly being observed by AFC Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United in addition to the Toffees, according to HITC.
Many wouldn’t be shocked if he left Boro in the summer given the amount of interest in him, especially because Michael Carrick’s team isn’t currently expected to advance.
Bailey, however, told Boro News that he’s attracting interest in van den Berg and that he probably won’t go on during the upcoming window. Not a big surprise, as he’s performing admirably.
I don’t think he’s going to leave this summer unless he makes a ridiculous offer, which I don’t think is likely.
“He’s got his feet on the ground. There’s a reason he chose Middlesbrough ahead of a few other clubs in the first place. He wanted to play football.
“He’s still a teenager, so I think he’s a good year away from being ready for that [a move].”
Middlesbrough remains the best place for Rav van den Berg at this stage
This season, Van den Berg has been trusted at both full back and center back.
The Dutchman, who was able to try himself in two positions, will have benefited greatly from this experience.
He is also benefiting greatly from the fact that, at 19, he is getting so much game time, as this will further hasten his growth.
In light of this, Boro ought to be the ideal location for him right now.
Given his advanced age and the length of his remaining Riverside contract, the Teesside team holds a significant advantage in negotiations, which will only benefit the club if they are fervent about holding onto him.
Read more on:sportupdates.co.uk
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