Middlesbrough trying to strike new deal for key man amid Crystal Palace, Southampton and Everton interest

Middlesbrough are keen to tie down Chuba Akpom to a new deal amid reported interest from Crystal Palace and other Premier League teams. The striker has been on fire for the Championship side this term and has scored 19 goals.

According to Football League World, promotion chasing Boro are ‘trying’ to strike fresh terms for their key man. His current contract expires at the end of the next season (June 2024) after his 12-month option was exercised in January.

A report by the Daily Mail last month suggested that the former England youth international was being monitored by Crystal Palace. Fellow Premier League sides Southampton and Everton were also credited with an interest. However, he stayed put at the Riverside Stadium beyond the deadline.

Akpom, 27, started his career at Arsenal and played 12 times for the Gunners as a youngster. He had loan spells away at Brentford, Hull City and others to gain experience before having a three-year stint in Greece with PAOK before his switch to Middlesbrough.

Carrick will face a battle to keep the attacker, especially if his side don’t end up going up this term. Crystal Palace are in the frame and could do with some more firepower up top in the next campaign having struggled for goals over recent times.