Millwall take interest in Middlesbrough player | OneFootball

Josh Coburn is thought to be on the Lions' radar, with Neil Harris seemingly keen to add another striker to his squad.

Millwall have taken an interest in Middlesbrough striker Josh Coburn.

According to the South London Press, the Lions are currently monitoring the Boro man's situation at this point, ahead of a potential approach for him in the coming weeks.

Coburn, 21, needs to be playing regular first-team football at this stage of his career, but with Emmanuel Latte Lath available as a starting option for Michael Carrick, his game time could be limited during the 2024/25 campaign.

Following a fairly successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers during the 2022/23 season, he was retained by Boro last season, but he could potentially benefit from another temporary spell away from the Riverside this term.

Scoring 11 goals in 53 competitive appearances for Boro's senior team, he has proved to be a useful player for the Teesside outfit, and he played on the opening day of the season against Swansea City.

Coburn only came on for a very brief cameo though, replacing Latte Lath who scored the only goal of the game.

And with Latte Lath scoring against the Swans, Coburn may find it difficult to force his way into the starting lineup anytime soon, although an injury or suspension could change things.

As well as this, the player seems to be a part of Carrick's plans at this stage, having been in the matchday squad against Luke Williams' side last weekend.

The South London Press are reporting that the Lions have taken an interest in the 21-year-old and are monitoring the player's situation on Teesside at this point.

However, they aren't alone in this race, with other Championship sides also believed to be keen on the striker.

His contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2027 though and with this in mind, any side that wants to sign the player permanently will need to fork out a sizeable fee for the young forward, who has plenty of potential.

The Lions have already recruited Macauley Langstaff, who could be a real asset for the club during the 2024/25 season and beyond, but they are seemingly keen to add another forward to their squad.

Coburn would join Langstaff, Tom Bradshaw and Kevin Nisbet as attacking options at The Den.

Boro have three options.

They can retain Coburn, loan him out or sell him.

Retaining him could be ideal for Boro, because he would be a good backup option and if they don't let him go, either permanently or on loan, there's no chance that the forward would strengthen a league rival.

A permanent exit could boost Carrick's kitty for the remainder of the window though - and there doesn't seem to be a shortage of interest in his signature - which could push his price tag up and maximise the amount that Boro make from his exit.

However, a loan deal may be the best option at this point, considering Boro are under no pressure to sell him and could benefit from the striker's presence in the future.