Middlesbrough are now leading the race for Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, according to a report from Alan Nixon this evening.
Michael Carrick is set to use his connections with United to get a deal done for the player. Diallo spent time at Sunderland previously and, although they retain interest in the Ivorian, it looks like he’s set for a move to the Riverside Stadium.
The former Atalanta winger has been injured for much of the campaign but returned recently to feature against Nottingham Forest. It may come as a huge surprise to many fans of the Manchester club, considering their depth at right wing is very light without the player in the squad.
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is reportedly using his ‘connections’ at Manchester United to enquire about the possibility of loaning Amad Diallo. [@SunderlandEcho]#Boro #SAFC #MUFC
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) January 14, 2024
Reports emerged recently of Middlesbrough’s interest, suggesting that Carrick would be key in any potential deal for the 21-year-old. Ivory Coast chose not to call the winger up for the AFCON tournament, meaning he will be available for selection immediately if the signing can be completed.
United signed Diallo for an initial £19 million in 2021 and since then he has gone on to make just 10 first-team appearances. An unsuccessful loan spell at Rangers was followed by a hugely successful one at the Black Cats last year under Tony Mowbray, where he scored 14 goals in all competitions.
Carrick’s side are currently a point off the top six and are looking to add some real quality to their side in the second half of the season. The manager knows the player better than most, and it’s a partnership that could make a lot of sense.
The Championship side have offered to pay the majority of the player’s wages while on loan, as per Nixon. United are looking to free up as much funds as they can in January as they aim to bring a striker in on loan.
In terms of competition for his signature, fellow Championship side Southampton are also said to be monitoring the situation. They currently trail however, with Boro hoping to reach an agreement with the Premier League side in the coming days.
Writer’s View
Amad is an intelligent signing for Middlesbrough and someone the manager may feel he can get the best out of. The squad depth in the forward areas is not as good as he’d like at the moment, and a signing like this could completely change the belief and dynamic going into the second part of the season.
United will miss the winger in the second half of the campaign, but this may be what’s best for his development at this current stage in his career.
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