Middlesbrough FC news and transfer rumours: Ex-midfielder responds to Arsenal and Chelsea links plus coach discusses John Obi Mikel departure

The 16-year-old, son of former Boro midfielder Graham, has impressed for Boro’s under-18 side this season and recently scored in a 3-0 win over Liverpool.

Father Graham says offers from Premier League clubs would be considered but that Calum will take a "long term view" as he assesses his future.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to know that speculation is genuinely just speculation,” Kavanagh Snr told Wales Online.

“There might be truth in that, I don’t know, but I certainly wouldn’t let him get carried away with it.

“Those clubs are obviously huge clubs. Financially they are in a different league to most of the clubs so they can buy who they want.

“That is magnificent in one respect but then it’s a little tougher to make the grade at those clubs.

“So, if they were to come in and make an offer then obviously we would have to discuss it and see.

He added: “Middlesbrough are speaking to him about a contract, as they have been for the last number of weeks.

“We will have to see where that goes and what happens with that."

Trabzonspor assistant explains Mikel absence

Former Boro and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel recently left Turkish club Trabzonspor following a dispute over the coronavirus.

While many clubs in Europe suspended their seasons, the Turkish Super Lig continued to play games behind closed doors.

Days before leaving the club by mutual consent, Mikel posted a strong message on Instagram calling for the season to be cancelled.

Trabzonspor assistant, former Chelsea midfielder Eddie Newton, has since spoken about the situation.

“I understand that some of the European players who were playing in Turkey were more worried about their families abroad,” Newton told Sky Sports.

“I think Obi really wanted to return back to his family and as the story was continuing and hearing all the stories that were coming back into the country then it makes people upset.

“Sometimes you have to understand that family comes before your job.”