If Middlesbrough sell Adam Clayton, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Cardiff City may move.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Adam Clayton at Middlesbrough. The combative midfielder found himself out of the side during the final few weeks of Garry Monk’s ill-fated reign and it remains to be seen whether he plays an important part in the plans of new manager Tony Pulis.
Nonetheless, it appears that Clayton will have options if his Boro career is indeed coming to an end. The Yorkshire Post states that Leeds United are keen to take the former fans’ favourite back to Elland Road, although they face no shortage of competition.
Clayton spent two years at Leeds from 2010 to 2012 after signing from Manchester City and formed a superb partnership with skipper Jonny Howson in the centre of the park. But his departure left a rather sour taste, joining local rivals Huddersfield Town for just £500,000 and linking up with former Whites boss Simon Grayson once again, via the Yorkshire Post.
Leeds are not short of options in midfield right now but Clayton, who impressed in the Premier League with Middlesbrough last season, would represent an upgrade on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane.
The report adds that Aston Villa, Derby County, Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday are also interested, and it is links with the former that are arguably the most intriguing.
After all, Villa have one of the strongest midfields in the Championship on paper and it is far from certain that Clayton would be able to force himself into the starting XI ahead of Conor Hourihane, Glenn Whelan and co.
Clayton, however, would be welcomed with open arms at Derby County. A deal to sign Maikel Kieftenbeld from Birmingham City looks more unlikely than ever and, after Craig Bryson left for Cardiff on loan, the Rams need a tenacious presence in the centre of the park to form a partnership with Joe Ledley.
Either way, if Boro are willing to sell, expect a huge scrap for Clayton’s signature.
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