Middlesbrough must be tempted to hijack Sunderland, West Ham deal: View | OneFootball

With the Championship campaign over, clubs across the division can now turn their full attention to the summer and the transfer window that comes with it.

Indeed, as the season has drawn to a close, rumours about potential deals have ramped up in recent weeks, and with the conclusion of the 2023/24 action, reports are surely set to intensify shortly.

West Ham's Divin Mubama linked with Sunderland

One significant rumour that has already emerged ahead of the summer revolves around West Ham United striker Divin Mubama, who has been linked with Championship outfit Sunderland.

According to The Athletic, the Black Cats are currently the front-runners to snap up the 19-year-old when his contract at the London Stadium expires this summer.

Earlier this season, West Ham offered the young striker a new deal, but this was rejected, and no new updates have emerged since, meaning it looks likely he will depart come the end of June.

Middlesbrough should consider hijacking Divin Mubama deal

Although Sunderland are said to be front-runners for his signature, there is every reason to think that Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick should try and hijack the deal and bring Mubama to the Riverside Stadium instead

First and foremost, this is because Mubama is a very good young talent. Although game time has been hard to come by at the London Stadium so far in his career, this fact should not be overlooked - this is arguably highlighted by the fact that the Hammers are keen to keep hold of him and get him to sign an extended deal, too.

Not only is the above a valid reason, though, Middlesbrough also need to add strength in the striking position this summer.

Emmanuel Latte Lath has had a strong season at the Riverside in terms of goals, netting 18 times in 36 appearances in all competitions, but no other forwards have hit double digits in a real area of weakness in Carrick's squad.

Sam Greenwood's five goals in 37 have hardly left Middlesbrough champing at the bit to make his loan deal from Leeds United permanent this summer, whilst it seems clear that another of Boro's forward options, Josh Coburn, would greatly benefit from some regular game time out on loan next campaign after a disappointing individual season.

Sunderland meanwhile already have two young strikers who they brought in last summer in the form of Eliezer Mayenda and Luis Semedo - both who have failed to really make an impact in the Championship so far.

Mubama would fall into the same category, although his experience at Premier League level already puts him ahead of the aforementioned duo in terms of suitability for the Black Cats squad.

Divin Mubama move makes sense for Middlesbrough

Given Mubama's ability, potential and the fact that Middlesbrough need added depth in the striking position, a summer move for the West Ham forward would appear to make a lot of sense.

Not only that, but given his contract is due to expire, it would only be a compensation fee required, rather than a transfer fee as such, which could potentially see the club snap him up for a very reasonable price, too.

After finishing eighth in the Championship this season, such a shrewd bit of business would surely be welcomed by Carrick and the hierarchy at the club, who will have plenty of work to do in all positions over the summer months in order to get Boro heading in the direction that they aspire, which is surely to be play-off and promotion contenders.