"In all honesty" - Middlesbrough FC told what their transfer priority is amid Blackburn Rovers, Swansea City links | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit believes should continue to pursue Blackburn Rovers' Callum Brittain over Swansea City's Josh Key.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Middlesbrough are reportedly preparing to make a fresh bid for Blackburn Rovers defender Callum Brittain.

Brittain enjoyed an impressive season for Blackburn in the Championship last season as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs, and while he has also been linked with Derby County and Wrexham this summer, it seems Middlesbrough hold the strongest interest.

Journalist Alan Nixon revealed last week that Boro are preparing to launch a new bid of £3 million plus extras for Brittain after their initial offer of £2.5 million was rejected.

After turning down the offer of a new contract at Ewood Park, Brittain asked to be left out of the pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley earlier this month, but with Rovers and Boro still believed to be apart in their valuations of the defender, he has travelled with the rest of the squad for the club's pre-season trip to Spain this week.

As new Boro manager Rob Edwards continues his search for a right-back, it has also been claimed that the Teesside outfit are also keen on Swansea City defender Josh Key, but his £5 million price tag could be a stumbling block to any potential deal.

Middlesbrough told to complete Callum Brittain deal amid Josh Key talk

When asked if the club should prioritise a move for Brittain or Key, FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed that they should continue their pursuit of the Blackburn man as his valuation is significantly lower than the Swansea defender.

"Personally, I'd rather see us go for Callum Brittain, simply because he's cheaper," Liam told FLW.

"In all honesty, I think we need a lot of signings after watching that Mansfield game.

"Our first XI is very strong, even though a few upgrades are needed, and the need for Callum Brittain at right-back is desperate, in my opinion.

"Luke Ayling looked out of his depth.

"The squad has no depth and the second half at Mansfield proved it, we collapsed when we brought on all the reserve players, they are not good enough.

"We need better options off the bench.

"It cost us a lot last season, we just didn't have anyone to impact games.

"Delano Burgzorg did alright, he offers us something a bit different, and Marcus Forss can find the back of the net, but other than that, we didn't really have any option.

"I know there's only a couple of million difference between Callum Brittain and Josh Key, but we need to save as much money as possible.

"Callum Brittain is still a very good player in this league, he's an older head and a leader who can help the team instantly.

"I know Josh Key is a very good player as well, but I'd be leaning more towards Callum Brittain simply because of the price tag."

As Liam says, Middlesbrough's pre-season friendly against League One side Mansfield Town on Saturday, in which they drew 3-3 despite having a three-goal lead at half-time, highlighted the club's urgent need for defensive reinforcements.

Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael has confirmed that Brittain can leave this summer if the club receive a suitable offer, but Boro are yet to agree a fee for the defender, and as he has now travelled to Spain with Rovers, it seems unlikely a deal will be completed this week.

Boro could decide to turn their attention to Key, but if they are struggling to meet the asking price for Brittain, it seems highly unlikely they would be willing to pay £5 million for the Swansea man, and they are now facing a race against time to sign a new right-back ahead of the start of the season.