Exclusive: Middlesbrough backed to strike £5m Swansea City transfer | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have been told to step up their pursuit of the Swansea City defender

Middlesbrough recently lodged an enquiry regarding Swansea City full-back Josh Key’s availability this summer.

As per Alan Nixon via Patreon, the Swans value the 25-year-old at £5 million, with a number of clubs, including Boro, interested in a transfer.

Nixon confirmed that Swansea are picking up their phone to discuss potential interest in Key, but that nobody has met their valuation yet.

Middlesbrough have shown their willingness to improve in the right-back department throughout the summer window, with their pursuit of Callum Brittain well documented.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes that Boro should actively pursue a deal for Key, even with his hefty price tag.

Middlesbrough backed by Lee Hendrie regarding Josh Key interest

“Josh Key was one of Swansea City’s best players last year,” stated Hendrie. “And Boro are looking to sort out that right-back role.

“Rob Edwards will already know what he's going to be getting from Key if that is to happen, but £5 million for him is certainly a big deal.

“I think what you're going to get with Key is a consistent full-back. Obviously, there will be cheaper alternatives out there.

“But I think he is a very good player. I think there's always going to be a question mark over whether £5 million is a little bit steep for a full-back.

“When you look at the likes of strikers, Mateo Joseph going for £10 million, you could argue that £5 million is too much for a full-back, but there's potential there in him.

“So, I think if they are looking to go that way, he is a really good signing. £5 million can seem to be a lot in the Championship, but it's not at all in this scenario.”

Josh Key addition would represent a heavy outlay for Middlesbrough

In recent times, full-back has become an increasingly important area on the football pitch, with players in that department often expected to contribute extensively to a team’s attacking output.

However, £5 million is still quite an extensive outlay for a Championship team, especially when it isn’t on a profile that will add talent to the attack.

Brittain is reportedly available for almost half that price, which would represent a much better value for Boro’s money.

Key has been impressive over the past couple of seasons, and would no doubt raise the quality of Rob Edwards’ side, but his price tag might just force Boro to focus on other options this summer.