"Carrick will be worried" - Pundit reacts as West Ham and Everton eye Middlesbrough star | OneFootball

Pundit and former England international Carlton Palmer has issued a warning to Middlesbrough that losing their best players in the summer could scupper their chances of promotion for next season, amid links of Rav van den Berg moving to the Premier League.

It had been reported by HITC on Wednesday afternoon that plenty of Premier League sides have been watching the Dutch U21 international this season, including Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham.

The 19-year-old only joined Boro in the summer from PEC Zwolle in his homeland, but has been a regular this season.

So far he has made 32 appearances across all competitions, and started the season at right back. However, he is now regularly seen impressing at centre back, as part of a back three.

Palmer issues Carrick warning

Carlton Palmer has said that Boro boss Michael Carrick will be worried that van den Berg may be one of several Boro players to leave for bigger clubs in the summer, and it could hinder their chances of promotion.

He exclusively told FLW: “Everton, West Ham, Brighton and Crystal Palace are amongst the Premier League clubs interested in making a move for Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg.

“There are a host of Premier League clubs who have been watching his progress, but he is under contract at Middlesbrough until 2027. Although there is interest in him, he wants to keep playing regular football.

“It has been disappointing for Middlesbrough this season because they wanted to push for the Premier League, but they were not able to bring in the players in the summer or in January to help them push on. So, it has been a disappointing season for Middlesbrough.

“But he has been one of the bright sparks in the team. He has caught the eye of a lot of Premier League teams. Middlesbrough will not want to lose him at the end of the season given the situation. If they do not get to the Premier League, will they be able to keep him?

“They are in a strong position, of course, in a negotiation position, but obviously the player and his agent will want to know the club has the money that they can kick on for next season to get promotion.

“Of course, Michael Carrick will be worried about losing his good players should they not get promoted, and should they not bring in the players that see them kick on next season and look to gain promotion.

“This is all very disappointing after a very, very positive season last season, but Michael Carrick continues to do a fantastic job as manager of Middlesbrough.”

Boro will have a hard task keeping hold of their best players

With Boro languishing in 12th position in the Championship, a play-off place finish like last season looks very unlikely. They are currently ten points off the top six.

As Palmer said, failure to achieve promotion and build on last season could see many of their young, talented players depart for pastures new in the summer.

They already saw Morgan Rogers depart in January for Aston Villa, whilst Hayden Hackney and now van den Berg are being heavily linked with moves to the Premier League.

It could be a big summer for Carrick and Boro, as they fight to keep hold of their best players.