Middlesbrough should seriously consider a move for the Norwich City man.
Middlesbrough’s Riverside stadium
Boro endured a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign this season – one that culminated in their relegation to the Championship, and it will be vitally important for their future that they bounce straight back next term.
In order to do that, whoever is handed the reigns at the Riverside will have to make sweeping changes to a squad that is quite clearly bereft of both quality and passion.
One area in particular where the Middlesbrough squad needs to be strengthened is the forward department. The 27 goals they scored in the top flight this term was the lowest tally in the division, and more quality in the final third will be a must, if they are to enjoy a successful campaign next season.
Norwich’s Steven Naismith in action
With this in mind, the Teesside outfit should consider a move for Canaries forward Steven Naismith.
The hard-working 30-year-old would offer Boro something totally different in the final third, what with his direct playing style and willingness to make unselfish runs in behind the opposition defence into the channels.
The Scotland international is highly experienced in playing at the highest level, and that kind of know-how could prove to be crucial to Middlesbrough’s hopes of earning promotion.
Norwich’s Steven Naismith
Naismith’s attributes make him ideally suited to play in the number 10 role, behind the main striker. Whether that be Alvaro Negredo, Rudy Gestede, or someone else entirely, the Scot’s presence in the team would surely help bring out the best in whoever leads the line for Boro.
He is still under contract at Carrow Road for another two years, however, and after paying £8.5 million to secure his services in January 2016, Norwich will surely be looking to recoup at least that amount, should they decide to sell the forward.
That kind of fee would be a sound investment for Middlesbrough though, and the signing of Naismith could turn out to be a real coup, should they manage to bring him to the Riverside this summer.
Norwich City’s Steven Naismith celebrates
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