Exclusive: Middlesbrough tipped to have "tiny edge" in Luton Town transfer race | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit comments on Middlesbrough's interest in Millenic Alli exclusively to Football League World

Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Leicester City are all plotting moves for Luton Town attacker Millenic Alli.

Football Insider have reported that the trio are set to battle it out for his services this summer, extending the forward’s short stay in the Championship.

The 25-year-old joined the Hatters in January from Exeter City for £1.5 million and made an instant impact at Kenilworth Road.

Netting four times in 16 appearances for Luton has brought forward the interest of other potential suitors and Alli could depart the club after less than a year.

Former Hatters’ boss Rob Edwards recently took charge of Middlesbrough, which could give them a slight advantage in the race for the Irishman’s signature.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and ex-EFL striker Don Goodman, believes that Luton should do everything they can to keep Alli at the club this summer.

Luton Town issued clear stance over Millenic Alli sale

“He’s a real talent and I’m not surprised that clubs are interested in him,” exclaimed Goodman.

“Last season was definitely the breakthrough season for him and he'd been waiting for it. He’s been plying his trade in non-league but now at the age of 25 seems to have found his mojo, and made a brilliant contribution to Luton in the second half of last season that saw them go close to surviving.

“I’m not surprised that clubs are interested and the Rob Edwards link to Luton may give Middlesbrough a tiny edge, but they will have to convince him of the project.

“That is if Luton are prepared to let him go because if I were Luton Town I certainly wouldn't be, I'd be building my promotion charge very, very much around this guy.”

Millenic Alli may choose to look elsewhere despite Rob Edwards' interest

Although Edwards is held in extremely high regard at Kenilworth Road, due to his awe-inspiring stewardship of the Hatters as they secured promotion to the Premier League in 2023.

However, he departed Luton weeks before Alli joined, which means the duo have no previous working relationship together.

Therefore, although Edwards’ achievements with the Hatters are commendable, they may have little to do with making up the 25-year-old’s mind over his next destination.

Outfits such as Sheffield United and Leicester City should have a better shot at promotion next season which may put them higher up in the pecking order for Alli’s signature.

That said, Boro could promise the striker guaranteed playing time, which may be the only chance they have of beating out their competitors.

Wherever he ends up, Alli’s sharp upward trajectory looks set to continue in the Championship next term.