Middlesbrough enter Everton talks - it could impact Man Utd transfer chance | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are interested in reuniting with Mark Travers, but that could impact their interest in Radek Vitek

Middlesbrough are keen to upgrade their first-choice goalkeeper spot this summer, as Kim Hellberg's side look to go one better in the upcoming campaign than their play-off final defeat last term.

Despite Boro boasting the second-best defensive record in the division, and academy product Sol Brynn keeping the third-most clean sheets in the Championship, too, the 25-year-old didn't have the best first season as his side's number one.

He conceded 6.6 more goals than his expected goals against tally, the fourth-worst record in the division, and was partly at fault for the late goal that sent Hull City to the Premier League ahead of them at Wembley in May, palming a cross into Oli McBurnie's path in the 1-0 defeat.

Other positions in the Middlesbrough squad have needed to be addressed first, but a new starting goalkeeper seems to be on Kim Hellberg's shopping list, too, as Boro held initial conversations over a move for Manchester United's Radek Vitek, who had a brilliant season on loan at Bristol City last year and now wants to be a number one option in 2026/27.

Middlesbrough's interest in Mark Travers could impact Radek Vitek pursuit

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However, the 22-year-old clearly isn't the only keeper on Middlesbrough's radar, as Pete O'Rourke has reported that the Teesiders are in talks with Everton over a loan deal for Mark Travers.

The Irish shot-stopper spent the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at the Riverside while he was a Bournemouth player, keeping four clean sheets in 17 second-tier outings and making close to four saves per game, ranking him in the top 10% of Championship keepers.

That prompted Everton to spend £4 million on Travers to take him away from the Vitality Stadium, but the presence of Jordan Pickford has made regular appearances hard to come by for the 27-year-old.

Travers has made just two appearances for the Toffees, both in EFL Cup action, and is seemingly on the hunt for regular football again.

While Middlesbrough would be able to offer him that regular football, it could come at the cost of Vitek not signing on at the Riverside, as both are good enough to be the number one for a promotion-chasing side.

The links with Travers don't automatically rule Boro out of the race for the Czech shot-stopper, but it could indicate that talks aren't progressing as quickly as Kim Hellberg would like them to be.

Middlesbrough fans react to Mark Travers transfer news

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The reaction amongst Middlesbrough fans online following the news that Travers may be returning to the Riverside this summer is definitely mixed. The majority of fans are welcoming the reports, but some do feel that Vitek is a better option this season.

"Hope this doesn't mean Vitek is off now," one Boro fan said in response to a Middlesbrough news outlet on X. "❌ this only in the event of a Vitek ✅ pls," another added.

Ultimately, the prospect of bringing either in is exciting Boro fans, though, as they see both of them as a clear upgrade to Brynn. Travers was well-liked in his short-term spell at the Riverside a couple of seasons ago, and fans are eager to see him return.

"Best keeper we’ve had in many years, I’m on my knees #Boro please make this happen," one fan commented. "Definitely take this as he was really good here last time," another said.

Those, alongside all the other rather simple "bring," and "yes!" comments, make it evident that Travers is a number one option amongst Middlesbrough fans, both due to his past at the Riverside and the fact he's seen as a more attainable option over Vitek.

"I’d rather this than Vitek, know it works and means we would probably have an option to buy at the end of the season without the expenditure for now," was also among the replies, which is a rather smart take on things.

Vitek would likely be a permanent deal this summer, while Travers on a loan with a buy option would allow Middlesbrough to reinforce other outfield positions with the money they'd be saving.