"Bare minimum" - Middlesbrough told to make £15m Finn Azaz demand as Southampton circle | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his reaction to the news that Southampton have had a bid rejected for midfielder Finn Azaz.

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...

Southampton have had a bid rejected for Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz.

Azaz joined Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in January 2024 for a fee of £2.5 million, and he enjoyed an excellent campaign last season as he scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions, but it was not enough to guide his side into the play-offs.

After missing the opening game of this season through injury, Azaz registered an assist on his return as a second-half substitute in the 3-0 win at Millwall on Saturday, but doubt has now been cast over his future at the Riverside Stadium.

The Daily Mail revealed on Wednesday night that Southampton had made a £12 million bid for Azaz, but Boro head coach Rob Edwards has confirmed that the offer has been rejected, while he also insisted the midfielder would feature against Norwich City this weekend.

However, that may not be the end of the saga as it has been claimed that Azaz is keen to make the switch to St Mary's, and after seeing their opening bid rebuffed, the Saints are believed to be preparing an improved offer for the Republic of Ireland international.

Middlesbrough told to place £15 million price tag on Southampton target Finn Azaz

When asked for his reaction to the news that Southampton have had a bid rejected for Azaz, FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed that the club should be demanding at least £15 million for the 24-year-old, although he did admit he would accept £12 million if the Saints included striker Cameron Archer in the deal.

"I think the minimum we should be getting is £15 million personally," Liam told FLW.

"He's managed to get double figures in goals and assists in the last two seasons.

"He's still a good age, and he's still got time left on his contract.

"He's a player who can go missing in games a bit, which can be a bit frustrating, but simply for his goal and assist output, you have to be demanding more than £12 million.

"I'm not a fan of that fee.

"It would help us reinvest, and I would take the money, but I think £15 million is the bare minimum we should be asking for.

"If you can go get £12 million plus Cameron Archer, I'd take that, but I think we should be asking for £15 million."

Middlesbrough facing big Finn Azaz dilemma as Southampton circle

After midfielder Hayden Hackney turned down a move to Ipswich Town, despite the two clubs reportedly agreeing a £20 million fee, Middlesbrough may view selling Azaz as their best chance to bring in funds this summer for Edwards to reinvest in his squad.

Azaz registered impressive goal contribution numbers last season, but rather than being consistent throughout the campaign, his form came in purple patches, and as Liam said, he often failed to deliver for Boro in the biggest games, so the club may be open to cashing in on him before the end of the window.

However, Boro would lose one of their main creative threats if Azaz was to depart, while selling him to Southampton would strengthen a possible promotion rival, so the Teesside outfit will have a big call to make if the Saints return with a bid that meets their valuation.