Middlesbrough FC reaction given to shock Barry Bannan news - "If I'm honest with you" | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on the club being linked with a move for Barry Bannan

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 have emerged as a potential next destination for Barry Bannan amid uncertainty over his Sheffield Wednesday future.

According to The Star, Boro are looking to take advantage of the financial situation at Hillsborough by signing the 35-year-old. Millwall are also interested in the Scot.

Bannan is currently without a contract, but is still training with the Owls ahead of the new campaign, which gets underway in just over a week.

The midfielder featured 41 times in the Championship last season, contributing four goals and five assists as Danny Rohl’s side finished 12th in the table.

Middlesbrough told to avoid Barry Bannan deal

When asked about the club’s interest in Bannan, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed that they should avoid his signing.

While he believes that the midfielder could provide some qualities to the dressing room, he ultimately questioned if Bannan would be a good fit for Rob Edwards’ side.

“I personally would not go for this move,” Day told Football League World.

“I just don’t see how he fits, personally.

“If [Hayden] Hackney’s to leave, we need somebody athletic, younger and just more physical in midfield, Barry Bannan doesn’t offer that.

“Technically, he’s a very decent player.

“I don’t think he’d fit Rob Edwards’ system, if I’m honest with you.

“He’s a good passer of the ball, he just seems a bit too old for me, personally, 35, he’ll be 36 this year as well.

“We can get him on the cheap, he’d be a good leader in the team, I can see some positives to it.

“I just don’t understand it, personally.

“I don’t think it’ll happen, I don’t really want it to happen, and I don’t think he’d fit Rob Edwards’ system.

“And I think he is too old for it, personally.”

Middlesbrough will begin their upcoming league campaign on 9 August with a clash against Swansea City.

Middlesbrough will need more than just Bannan to replace Hackney

If Hackney does leave this summer, then Bannan would not be enough on his own to replace the 23-year-old.

Further additions in midfield will be needed to make up for the exit of such an important part of the team.

Bannan could still be a solid signing, bringing plenty of experience of this level with him, and his performances last season showed he’s still capable of playing in the Championship.

However, if he is unwilling to walk away from Sheffield Wednesday at this stage, then it could prove a tricky deal to get over the line.