Rob Edwards may have identified Alfie Doughty, Luton Town clone for Middlesbrough FC | OneFootball

Middlesbrough and Preston have enquired about Salford's Kelly N'mai, with Rob Edwards eyeing an Alfie Doughty-style wing-back.

Rob Edwards could be about to recreate one of his biggest success stories from his Luton Town tenure as Middlesbrough boss, and he's looking to Salford City to do it.

Football League World exclusively revealed that both Middlesbrough and Preston North End have submitted transfer enquiries for Kelly N'Mai, Salford's breakout star who notched nine goals and four assists in League Two last season.

A winger by trade, N'Mai has been utilised at both wing-back and as a centre forward, and Edwards' vision of the versatile Dutchman could see him operate as a flying wing-back in the mould of Alfie Doughty, who reached fantastic levels under Edwards at Luton.

Rob Edwards and the Alfie Doughty blueprint

At Luton, Edwards transformed Doughty into one of the most dynamic left-wing-backs in the Championship, helping power a promotion-winning campaign.

Doughty's relentless energy, attacking output, and tactical intelligence were essential in Edwards' wing-back system, where Doughty was often one of the main attacking outlets as he was tasked with bombing up and down the left-hand side.

He joined from Stoke in the summer of 2022, and completely exploded under Edwards before establishing himself as a firm fan favourite at Kenilworth Road.

Over the last three years, the 25-year-old, who was even tipped to earn a potential England call-up while playing with the Hatters in the top-flight, has proven himself to be a top-end wing-back at Championship level.

Injury proved disruptive last time out, with Doughty limited to just 26 league outings in 2024/25. He spent the back-end of the season on the sidelines as Luton suffered relegation, but still enjoyed yet another productive campaign on an individual note by scoring once and setting up four goals.

Now, as Edwards gears up for his time at the Riverside Stadium with Middlesbrough, he could be looking to replicate that tactical identity, and 21-year-old N'Mai may fit the mould perfectly.

Having operated primarily as a left wing-back and forward last season, N'Mai's versatility, pace, and end product make him an ideal fit for Edwards' preferred 3-4-2-1 setup.

With Doughty likely to command a substantial transfer fee this summer, N'Mai could represent a younger, more affordable alternative, and one with real room to grow.

Kelly N'Mai's rising stock

Originally a trialist at both Manchester United and Manchester City, N'Mai signed with Salford in 2020 and has steadily risen through the ranks.

Last season marked his breakout campaign as an Ammies player, however.

Salford narrowly missed out on the League Two play-offs by a single point, and N'Mai was central to that push.

His flexibility made him indispensable to Salford manager Karl Robinson, especially as he moved centrally later in the season.

Transfer tug-of-war brewing

While Boro appear tactically aligned, they aren't alone in the pursuit.

Preston are also in the mix, looking to replace the likes of Emil Riis and Sam Greenwood. FLW sources revealed both clubs have submitted official enquiries to Salford regarding N'Mai's availability.

N'Mai signed a new deal last summer that runs until June 2026, but this summer may be the last window Salford get to cash in on him at his highest transfer value.

Manager Robinson has suggested even £1 million offers should be turned down, highlighting just how important the 21-year-old is to the club.

Edwards-Boro project gains momentum - he could make savvy start with N'Mai deal

Following the big-money sale of Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atlanta United earlier this year, Boro have cash available to reinvest into the playing squad this summer.

So, while marquee signings might be expected, Edwards is a manager who values a systematic fit and tactical coherence over name recognition, making N'Mai a savvy target, and one that aligns with Middlesbrough's recruitment model of targeting younger players too.

With Boro set for a rebuild and rebrand under Edwards, capturing a player like N'Mai could be a crucial step towards building a side in his image, with a cornerstone piece of the club's future for a potentially low fee.

Therefore, whilst it's known that Doughty is a player that Boro's recruitment chiefs like, should he command a price tag that the Teessiders can't justify paying, capturing N'Mai's signature for what would surely be a significantly cheaper fee, could hand Edwards the chance to recreate one of his biggest individual coaching success stories at the Riverside Stadium