The latest on Middlesbrough’s pursuit of a young Tottenham Hotspur forward
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Middlesbrough have reportedly agreed a deal to sign forward Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Oxford United, contributing 11 goals to an ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation from the Championship.
Lankshear returned to his parent club for pre-season preparations but recent reports suggested Middlesbrough were working on a permanent deal for him.
Middlesbrough ‘agree deal’
Sky Sports have now claimed a deal is in place, with Middlesbrough set to pay an initial fee of £10m for the England youth international.
They could reportedly end up paying £20m, with the package including potential bonuses. There is also said to be a 20 per cent sell-on clause, entitling Spurs to a chunk of any future fee Middlesbrough recieve for Lankshear.
The Premier League will also have matching rights on any bids lodged by other clubs, the report has claimed. Lankshear is believed to be due for a medical at Middlesbrough today (July 21).
Will Lankshear’s career to date
The forward spent time in Arsenal’s academy before moving north to link up with Sheffield United’s academy.
His exploits at youth level for the Blades caught the eye of Spurs, who signed the marksman in 2022. He has since made six appearances at senior level for the North London club, scoring once, and has spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Oxford.
In April, his former Oxford boss Matt Bloomfield told talkSPORT: “The answer to the first question is I've found him an absolute credit to his family, a credit to himself, a credit to his craft because he works so hard every day at his craft, his finishing, his hold-up play.
“Where can he go in the game? If he can stay clear of injury and keep that focus that he has, I think he can go to the top because his finishing is top draw.
“It's his focus, his single-mindedness to be the best he can possibly be, that is so admirable. And I wish him every success.”