Jorgen Strand Larsen is keen on a move to Middlesbrough but Groningen will only let the striker join Chris Wilder’s Championship outfit ‘for the absolute top price’, technical director Mark-Jan Fledderus tells the club’s official website.
It was only a matter of time before Strand Larsen started to catch the eye of scouts across the continent.
And, after 23 goals in two Eredivisie seasons at a rather middling Groningen outfit, an ambitious, promotion-chasing Boro side are ready to go all-in. Middlesbrough have made an offer in the region of £8.5 million, according to Norwegian publication TV2.
Such a fee would make Strand Larsen the joint-most expensive departure in Groningen’s history.
But, given the choice, the so-called Pride of the North would rather keep one of the most promising strikers in the country rather than enhance their bank balance.
Middlesbrough bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen
“Over the past three years, we have made a lot of money in the transfer market. But we want to perform and actually like to keep Jorgen,” says Fledderus. “We had an open conversation. We said: ‘We want to keep you and only sell for the absolute top price’.
“For this amount, he can go with a sell-on clause. If that is not on the table, then (a sale) is off the cards. Now, we are trying to do everything we can to keep Jorgen here.”
A Middlesbrough side who brought in Marcus Forss from Brentford last week are not alone in targeting Strand Larsen; A rangy yet skilful frontman who puts his 6ft 4ins frame to very good use. Bologna have made two offers, while Sassuolo appear to see him as a potential Gianluca Scamacca replacement.
And for all of you who dare to write off a little-known youngster from the Euroborg, do yourself a favour and skip to 1 minute 55.
“Bologna has bid twice, as have Middlesbrough, who offered a lot more than Bologna. He sees such a move (as a good opportunity), but also understands the club,” Fledderus adds.
“Nobody knows how it will go, but we will do everything we can to keep him on board with a good feeling.
“We are all very proud of Jorgen’s development. He has height, speed and a good basic technique. He hasn’t scored much yet, but we see a lot of potential in him.”
Middlesbrough will not face such resistance in pursuit of another striker target; Real Mallorca’s USA international Matthew Hoppe. The former Schalke starlet is available for transfer, having been left out of Mallorca’s pre-season plans.
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