Why Jack Simpson would be a good signing for Middlesbrough
According to Sky Sports, Middlesbrough are among a host of Championship clubs interested in completing a loan deal for Bournemouth defender Jack Simpson, who has only played a bit-part role for the relegation-threatened Cherries in the Premier League this season.
EFL Championship rivals Derby County and Stoke City have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who has only clocked up 6 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side in all competitions so far in the ongoing campaign. (h/t Sky Sports)
A youth exponent of Bournemouth, Simpson had a loan spell at non-league side AFC Totton before making his first-team debut for the Cherries in an EFL Cup tie against Middlesbrough during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Weymouth-born ace went on to start 4 times for Bournemouth in the Premier League last season. But he has been handed only a solitary league start by Howe so far this term.
Despite injuries to Nathan Ake and Steve Cook, the manager has opted to show faith in players like Chris Mepham and Simon Francis, leaving the academy graduate to gather dust on the sidelines.
As per the report, Bournemouth are yet to make a call on his future, with the club currently locked in a relegation battle.
Middlesbrough have already completed the signings of Lukas Nmecha and Patrick Roberts on loan from Man City to bolster their attack whilst Dejan Stojanovic has also been roped in from St. Gallen as a replacement for Darren Randolph, who departed for West Ham earlier in the month.
Having conceded 36 goals in 29 games so far, Boro have a decent defensive record but lack a specialist cover in the heart of the backline.
Incorporating midfielders Paddy McNair and Jonny Howson into defensive roles has paid off handsomely, with both players doing reasonably well in recent weeks alongside Dael Fry.
Fry continues to be a top target for Premier League side Burnley, who are eyeing up yet another raid on the Teessiders after signing Ben Gibson in 2018. (h/t Sky Sports)
Verdict
Middlesbrough need some additional cover at the back, with experienced options like George Friend, Daniel Ayala and Ryan Shotton continuing to be on the treatment table. To that end, a loan deal for Jack Simpson would go a long way towards adding some valuable depth to the ranks.
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Having said that, Middlesbrough beating off the competition to complete a loan move for Jack Simpson would be excellent.
