According to London World, Middlesbrough are now holding talks over a deal to sign Tottenham academy striker Will Lankshear on loan ahead of next season.
Lankshear impressed for Spurs U21s last season
Lankshear had an outstanding 2023-24 campaign for Tottenham’s Under-21s, scoring 18 goals in 19 games in the normal league stage before blasting another five in four playoff games as Wayne Burnett’s men were crowned Premier League 2 champions (Transfermarkt).
Speaking to Football.London last month, the 19-year-old admitted that he will do his best to catch Ange Postecoglou‘s eye in pre-season and to convince the Spurs head coach that he can have a first-team role.
Middlesbrough are keen on move for striker
It turns out that Lankshear is attracting loan interest from the EFL, with Boro now thought to be holding talks over the temporary signing of the 19-year-old.
It is alleged that even though Spurs are in the Europa League, the striker is not likely to get too many first-team minutes, which is why a loan move could suit all parties.
However, it is revealed that Boro are not the only club eyeing Lankshear, who is said to be on the radar of several Championship sides as well as clubs from across the continent.
It is asserted that Michael Carrick’s side are keen to secure the youngster and have already offered him a contract ahead of a potential summer move to the Riverside Stadium.
Interestingly, the publication adds that an outright sale of Lankshear has not been ruled out by Spurs this summer.
Spurs Web Opinion
There is no chance that Tottenham would consider offloading Will Lankshear permanently on the back of the season he has had.
The 19-year-old will likely end up on loan at a League One or a Championship club this summer in order to continue his development.
Spurs have a number of promising talents within the academy ranks including Jamie Donley, Tyrese Hall, Jude Soonsup-Bell and Lankshear, of which the club need to make decisions on the best route to further their talent ahead of next season.
After a number of years of failing to either produce promising players or to give them a clear route to the first team, it is refreshing to see the future could be bright for utilising the academy for the purpose it was intended for.