Exclusive: Middlesbrough warned of "killer blow" amid £12m Finn Azaz, Southampton transfer talk | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing Finn Azaz's Middlesbrough future.

Southampton have seen their opening bid for Middlesbrough's Finn Azaz rejected.

Boro manager Rob Edwards confirmed to BBC Tees that the Teessiders have turned down an offer understood to be below their valuation from an unnamed club.

"We have rejected a bid from a football club," Edwards said - refusing to mention Southampton's name, who have reportedly made a £12m approach for the Republic of Ireland international.

"That's as far as I need to go on that," he added.

The North East club's valuation is understood to be £12m, as per The Northern Echo, and the outlet mentions talks are apparently ongoing.

What Lee Hendrie has said about Finn Azaz's potential move from Middlesbrough to Southampton

Speaking exclusively to Football League World about the Saints' interest in Azaz, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie was full of praise for the Republic of Ireland star's impact at the Riverside.

"Finn Azaz has been excellent hasn’t he since putting a Boro shirt on.

"I think your numbers that are shouting out to everyone that you know, he’s got ability, he’s creative, he’s got a goal threat," Hendrie told FLW.

Azaz became a Boro player in January last year from Aston Villa - who recalled the attacking midfielder midway through his second loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.

By that point, he had already scored seven goals and provided five assists in 26 second tier appearances.

Hendrie sees the move as potentially perfect timing for Southampton, particularly with Tyler Dibling set to make a £42m move to Everton.

"That’s what Southampton might be needing if some of their players are to certainly leave the building. One of them being Tyler Dibling, you do feel that Finn Azaz would be a real good replacement," he explained.

"I’m a firm believer that if people can step up and do the job what they’re asked to do - and that’s what Finn Azaz has done - I’ve been really impressed with him in a Boro shirt, and again he can play in a number of positions across that front line."

£12m Finn Azaz fee would be "killer blow" for Middlesbrough

Despite mentioning Southampton's need for extra bodies in attacking positions, Hendrie believes losing Azaz would be a massive setback for Boro's potential promotion hopes under Rob Edwards.

"So, £12m, I think Boro would be devastated if this was to happen.

"I do feel that you’d be looking to build round Finn Azaz if you were involved in Boro, because what he brings to a football team and what he’s produced," the former Villa midfielder stated.

"I think it’d be a killer blow but a real, real good addition for Southampton."

Finn Azaz's record justifies interest

The Southampton target has been one of the second-tier's standout performers since joining Middlesbrough.

His 24/25 campaign was highly impressive on a personal note, with 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 Championship matches.

Any reluctance on Boro's part to sell is obviously understandable given Azaz's contract runs until 2028.

You could maybe argue that Middlesbrough wouldn't want to sell to a division rival anyway, especially with just days remaining of the summer transfer window.

Boro do have a plethora of options in attacking midfield, with Sverre Nypan, Sontje Hansen, Morgan Whittaker, Hayden Hackney, Riley McGree and Delano Burgzorg all capable of operating in-behind the centre-forward.

However, Azaz is a proven top-quality performer at Championship level, and losing him would be land a significant blow to their promotion credentials.