Middlesbrough warned against taking £7m Leicester City transfer 'risk' | OneFootball

Doubts have been raised over Middlesbrough's interest in one of Russell Martin's men.

Middlesbrough have been widely praised for their work in the transfer market, and it could be a factor that drives them towards promotion this season.

Despite selling last term's Championship Player of the Season, Hayden Hackney, to Everton, the club have acquired quality players, including Will Lankshear, Ashley Phillips and Radek Vitek.

Boro avoided a shock defeat in their season opener against newly promoted Lincoln City, coming from behind to win 2-1 courtesy of a Lankshear double.

The Teessiders may not be done in the transfer market just yet and have been linked with a Leicester City winger, although it could be a divisive move if it were to materialise.

Doubts raised over Middlesbrough's interest in Leicester City's Stephy Mavididi

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While the Championship is packed with quality this season, Middlesbrough possess a glut of attacking talent that should see them among the promotion contenders.

Lankshear showed everyone on Saturday afternoon why his transfer has been widely praised, while Kyle Joseph and Morgan Whittaker are dangerous options for Kim Hellberg.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Boro have joined Rangers in the race to sign Leicester's Stephy Mavididi, with the Teessiders interested in bringing him to the Riverside Stadium this summer.

When asked whether the winger would be a good signing for his club, FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day delivered some scathing words of warning.

"I think he epitomised everything Leicester was last season," Liam told Football League World. "He was lazy, poor, out of form and just didn't seem to care.

"There's clearly a quality player in there. I remember when they got promoted he was very decent for them, but he doesn't seem anything like what Boro need at the moment.

"His attitude seemed to stink last season. Leicester fans saw that, but I think that was the whole squad's issue really. There's no doubt there's a bit of quality in that player, and I think if you can get the attitude right, he'd be a good player for any Championship team.

"But I don't think Boro need to take a risk at that sort of price tag, and I don't think it's one we will take a risk on. I think we need a winger with a bit of pace, so he would fit that sort of profile, but I'm hoping this is one we avoid."

What is Mavididi's current situation at Leicester?

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Mavididi was once considered Leicester's next big thing at the King Power Stadium, but he now appears destined to leave the club after their spiralling decline.

The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal, meaning the Foxes hold all the power regarding a transfer fee, with reports suggesting Rangers could pay as much as £7million for his services.

Mavididi started and played 61 minutes on the left wing for the East Midlands outfit in their EFL Cup first-round clash with Northampton in what was an underwhelming performance for the Englishman.

However, the 28-year-old was excluded from Russell Martin's squad to face Notts County in their League One opener, suggesting the club will be looking to move him on before the end of the window.

Should Boro pursue Mavididi?

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Mavididi flourished in Leicester's Championship title-winning season in 2023/24, notching 12 goals and six assists - the best returns of his career.

However, he has fallen well short of those numbers since, contributing just three goals and two assists as the Foxes were relegated to League One last term.

Middlesbrough already have Jeremy Sarmiento, Micah Hamilton and Max Arfsten, who could play on the left, while Leo Castledine started there against Lincoln.

Mavididi would offer another option in that position, with his dribbling ability particularly impressive as he ranked in the top six per cent of left-wingers for successful dribbles last season, according to Fotmob.

However, he would be a costly risk, and with his attitude something to be concerned about, Middlesbrough would be better off avoiding such a deal.