Defender linked with Tottenham and West Ham plus Cardiff City boss explains Lee Tomin situation: Middlesbrough FC news

Yet speculation is bound to increase as the 2019/20 season comes to a close and sides enter a truncated pre-season ahead of the new campaign.

Boro’s 2-1 win at Reading on Tuesday may have taken the Teessiders to the brink of Championship safety, yet there may still significant interest in some of the club’s young prospects this summer.

One player who has certainly caught the eye this season is teenage right-back Djed Spence, who only made his senior debut in December but has already become a key player.

The 19-year-old was linked with a move to Premier League side Tottenham earlier this year after impressing during two FA Cup matches against Spurs in January.

Those claims have resurfaced again, with ESPN claiming Premier League clubs including Tottenham, West Ham and Brighton are prepared to step up their interest in the teenager.

Cardiff boss explains Lee Tomlin situation

Boro could come up against a familiar face on Saturday when Cardiff City visit the Riverside, with playmaker Lee Tomlin set to return to his former club.

The 31-year-old was a popular figure at the Riverside during his 18 months at the club from January 2014.

Tomlin endured a difficult spell after leavng Boro but has rediscovered his form with the Bluebirds, and scored the winner against Derby on Tuesday.

It was the first time Tomlin had started a match since the season restarted, and Cardiff boss Neil Harris has explained why.

"Maybe I've not made myself clear," Harris said. "Lee Tomlin has not physically been able to start games.

"That's why he has not started games, not because I've gone with a team I wanted to play, or with certain personnel. Lee Tomlin hasn't been able to start a game yet.

"Tuesday was the first time he was in peak condition, or at a level that he could contribute as long as he did. Even that was a risk, playing him for 67 minutes.