Middlesbrough urged to avoid Barnsley transfer deal - 'proven' Championship player needed | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough Fan Pundit has told the club that they must not sign Davis Keillor-Dunn after scouts were spotted watching the ace at Anfield.

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 been told that they must not pursue a deal for Barnsley star Davis Keillor-Dunn this January, after scouts were spotted at Anfield in Monday evening's FA Cup tie between the Tykes and Liverpool.

Pete O'Rourke reported on Tuesday morning that Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Boro all sent representatives to Merseyside to watch the 28-year-old, as Liverpool recorded a 4-1 victory over the League One side.

Keillor-Dunn has been in fine form for Barnsley this season, scoring 11 goals in 21 league appearances for the South Yorkshire outfit.

It's this form that has seen the trio of Championship clubs keep a keen eye on the centre-forward, but one Middlesbrough supporter is not convinced by this interest.

Middlesbrough urged to move away from Davis Keillor-Dunn interest

Keillor-Dunn has been a real shining light for Barnsley over the course of the last two years, and after scoring 18 goals in League One last season, he is on course to reach the 20-goal mark if he continues at his current rate.

However, with Championship interest, this January could be the break that the former Mansfield Town man needs. Nonetheless, when asked if Middlesbrough should pursue a deal for the Sunderland-born ace, Football League World's Boro Fan Pundit, Liam Day, said: "I think if we want to be taken seriously as a promotion club and get the fans behind us, this isn't the type of attacking signing you want.

"I'd like someone who's proven at this level. It’s not anything against him, he may well be alright at this level, but you know, I don't think that's a player Boro should be moving for, especially with the numbers I've seen going around."

Liam continued: "At 28, there's no resale value in it. I don't see why we'd go for it. In recent times, it doesn't really seem like a player Boro would go for. So, I'm hoping it doesn't happen. I just don't think he's quality wise, what we need. I'd like someone who's proven in the Championship as a goalscorer.

"It's not easy in January, obviously, and I don't see it happening until late in the window if it does happen at all. But if we were going to look for someone a bit more experienced at 28, I'd like them to have at least played some Championship football."

Davis Keillor-Dunn's break in the Championship may come towards the bottom of the table

With Preston and Middlesbrough both battling for promotion, taking a risk on a player who has never played higher than League One in England could be a huge risk.

Promotion to the Premier League for either side would leave Keillor-Dunn down the pecking order and, therefore, he may not wish to risk a move himself.

However, Blackburn may be an excellent choice for the attacking star, especially after the departure of Makhtar Gueye.