Championship rivals 'keen to talk' to Middlesbrough defender as Leeds United link resurfaces

Middlesbrough are still in contract negotiations with academy product Dael Fry as two Championship rivals wait in the wings for a decision over the defender’s future at the Riverside Stadium.

The Northern Echo have reported Fry and Boro both remain confident they can strike an agreement over a potential new deal before his current contract comes to an end in three weeks time - but have also given an update on interest from elsewhere. Fry has become a Riverside Stadium stalwart over the last 11 years and will surpass 300 appearances if he commits to a new deal ahead of the 2026/27 season. However, the same report suggests the Teessider has interest from elsewhere with former Boro defender and manager Tony Mowbray described as ‘keen to talk’ to Fry about a possible move to Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers and Burnley are also believed to retain an interest in the centre back.

Boro boss Kim Hellberg has never hidden from showing his admiration for Fry and he described the defender as ‘very important’ to his side towards the end of the Championship season. Speaking after a goalless draw with Blackburn in March, the Swede said: "He has a lot of qualities and is our best header of the ball, for example. He’s also our best set-play specialist in terms of heading offensively and defensively. He’s a leader in our group and has also very much improved his play on the ball. He has almost everything you’d want in a centre-back and is a very important player for us."

Boro’s Leeds star link resurfaces

Middlesbrough are looking to boost their squad as they look to bounce back from their Championship play-off final defeat against Hull City. After a poor attacking display in their Wembley loss against the Tigers, it seems certain Boro will try and boost their options in the attacking third during the summer transfer window. Leeds United forward Joel Piroe has been linked with a move to Teesside in recent months - and that speculation has resurfaced once again with TEAMtalk stating Boro and Scottish giants Rangers are both ‘among several clubs to have shown interest in the Dutch forward’.

The report suggests Leeds have set an asking price between £8million and £10million and reveals Boro view Piroe as ‘a proven goalscorer who could thrive in the Championship once again’ after he scored 19 goals in 46 appearances as the Whites secured promotion into the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.

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