Millwall confirm Middlesbrough transfer intent for striker labelled 'terrific' by Michael Carrick

Millwall are set to enter transfer talks with Championship rivals Middlesbrough at the end of the season with Alex Neil confirming his intention to keep loanee Josh Coburn at The Den.

The 22-year-old has struggled with injury for large parts of the campaign but has found his scoring boots under Neil in recent weeks. The forward scored in the 1-0 win over Derby County last month and hit the back of the net again against Watford at Vicarage Road, a winning goal in a 2-1 victory.

Having secured six points in those games thanks to his goals, Neil made it clear that he hopes the season-long loan will be extended, or perhaps a permanent move agreed. Speaking after the game, the Millwall boss told Southwark News: “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.

Alex Neil confirms Millwall transfer plans

“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.”

That comes after Teeside Live claimed in January that Middlesbrough would be open to negotiations but that a Coburn exit was not a given. The outlet claimed: “As far as Boro’s stance on a potential sale, Teesside Live understands it’s very similar to the one with Isaiah Jones earlier in the month in which, while not actively looking to sell the academy graduate, they would be open to the possibility if Millwall are willing to pay the right price.”

Coburn is a product of the Boro academy and has made 56 first team appearances for the side, scoring 12 goals. Despite not being a part of Michael Carrick’s immediate plans, he does have the backing of the manager.

Middlesbrough still fans of ‘terrific’ striker

Speaking after an impressive performance against Sheffield Wednesday in 2023, Carrick labelled the forward ‘terrific’ despite not scoring in that 1-1 draw. He said: “I thought he was terrific at times tonight. I thought he led the line well, stuck at it even though he didn’t quite get the kind of chance he’d be hoping for, but they will come if he keeps doing the right things."

Millwall Director of Football Steve Gallen admitted that the club had to fight off other competition to sign Coburn on a temporary deal last term. When announcing the signing, Gallen said: "I'm really pleased to get Josh through the door. A lot of clubs wanted to bring him in over the summer; we've been really patient but also really persistent.

"He's a target man who holds the ball up, runs the channels well and is good in the air, as well as being a strong boy. He has a very high ceiling and I'm pleased he is now a Millwall player for the season."

In other news, this is how Millwall and QPR fare in a new-look predicted Championship table with a big play-off call made.