Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick teases Millwall transfer blow with big Kelechi Iheanacho decision ahead

Millwall hope to make the loan signing of Middlesbrough forward Josh Coburn permanent this summer but their Championship rivals may be forced into blocking that move.

The 22-year-old has struggled with injury this term but has found his scoring boots in recent weeks under Alex Neil. Coburn bagged two goals since his return to fitness in February - winning strikes against Derby County and Watford that secured the Lions six points in those fixtures.

Speaking as the player comes into form, Millwall boss Alex Neil had made it clear that the club intends to pursue a permanent deal for the player come the end of the campaign. The London outfit do not currently have an option to buy in the loan deal, so will need to enter into fresh negotiations with Middlesbrough.

Alex Neil confirms Josh Coburn transfer plan

Neil had said: “It was a hard decision today but I think that I need to get Josh minutes to get him up to speed. Also, we’d like to try and keep Josh here beyond where we’re at now, which I think is important, so we have good options at the top end of the pitch.

“The two strikers have been excellent for me since I’ve come here and it’s just making sure I try and sort of split the game time and at times if I need two I’ll play two. I thought he was excellent, particularly second half.

“I hope he’s enjoying his football. He scored two goals in the last two games that he started, or played in. I think when you’re six foot three, you’re mobile, you’ve got good movement in the box and technically you’re equipped, they’re some great traits to have.”

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick on striker

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has now given his opinion on the situation in quotes that suggest a permanent transfer is far from guaranteed. The Northern Echo points out that Boro sold talisman Emmanuel Latte Lath in January and added that it is ‘unlikely’ that temporary replacement Kelechi Iheanacho will be signed on a permanent basis.

Should the Teeside club decide not to make a permanent move for the Sevilla loanee, that would leave them short of options in the striking department and could make Coburn an important part of their first team plans. Carrick appeared to hint at a potential return into the side.

The manager said: “Josh is doing well since he came back. He's had a stop-start season, so it's good to see him doing well and scoring goals. He's scored some important goals for them [Millwall].

“He's there until the end of the season, and that's it as far as it stands at this stage. There’s not much for me to decide on at this stage. Anything can happen in football.

“Until something is decided or finished or done, it's ongoing. Everything is. That doesn't change for Josh, or anybody else. Sometimes, you might not be in the team here, then all of a sudden, you get an opening and it all changes. There's never anything that's all said and done until it's all signed off.”

In other news, this is how much Championship promotion would be worth to Millwall, QPR, Watford and rivals.