Middlesbrough told why Dael Fry agreement could change transfer plans | OneFootball

The 28-year-old centre-back is still expected to stay at the North East club

Dael Fry joined Middlesbrough’s academy at age seven and, barring a loan spell at Rotherham United in 16/17, has remained at the club ever since.

But given his current contract runs until the end of June, the 28-year-old is weeks away from becoming a free agent.

As a result of this situation, interest from elsewhere has inevitably gathered, namely Burnley and Blackburn Rovers.

The Clarets have been monitoring Fry closely, per TEAMtalk, viewing him as a potential replacement should Maxime Esteve depart.

While Blackburn Rovers, fresh from appointing Tony Mowbray as their new head coach, have also been identified as a club willing to open talks with Fry's representatives should discussions at Boro break down.

Dael Fry is the 'epitome' of one thing at Middlesbrough

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Despite all this transfer talk, according to Teesside Live journalist Craig Johns, the Boro hierarchy is increasingly confident that Fry will put pen to paper on an extension.

This would obviously be a huge blow to both Burnley and Blackburn's attempts to sign him.

FLW’s Boro Fan Pundit, Liam Day, has given his verdict on what a new Fry deal would mean for the club.

"I think it’s so key having home-grown players who know what it’s like to grow up in the area and the club - and I think Dael Fry is the epitome of that," he told FLW.

"You know, he’s been here his whole career - he’s loyal - and he’s a good player, and I think that’s the most important thing.

"When he is fit and ready to play he’s one of the best centre backs in the Championship on his day, and whilst I do think the injury record can be a bit worrying at times, and that’s something he can improve on, when he is fit he should be playing."

Despite the somewhat ‘worrying’ injury record, Fry still featured in 29 Championship matches this past season and scored three goals - starting 20 of them.

How fresh Dael Fry agreement could change Middlesbrough's transfer plans

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Crucially, Day believes a fresh contract renewal would remove the need for Boro to strengthen in that area of the pitch this summer.

The Fan Pundit claimed, "That also rules out signing any. I’m not sure we need a centre back now, we do have good options if we can keep everyone fit.

Day also suggested a contract with a further option could give Boro a degree of future flexibility, adding, "I think it was really important, especially not to lose him on a free.

"If you can get him [tied] down a two-year deal with maybe an option of another year, something like that, then you’ve maybe got the opportunity to sell him in the future.

"So, yeah, I’m happy with the deal.

Alongside Fry, Kim Hellberg also has the likes of Luke Ayling, Adilson Malanda, Alfie Jones and George Edmundson to pick from in central defence.

You could maybe argue that Boro could sign another centre-back anyway after Darragh Lenihan got released, but Day doesn't seem to think it's needed.

Ultimately, that Burnley are considering Fry as a potential successor to Esteve, a 24‑year‑old attracting Premier League attention, shows the level in which the Teessider is held.

It remains to be seen what will actually happen, but the North East side would - in Day's opinion - be silly to lose him for nothing.