Middlesbrough’s Marcus Tavernier has been linked with Bayer Leverkusen.
According to a report in the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough will fight to keep their top academy players and not allow themselves to follow Sunderland’s mistake after the Black Cats sold Josh Maja in January.
The report claims Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Boro ace Marcus Tavernier.
There has been an influx of foreign interest in England’s brightest young talents. Jadon Sancho’s success at Borussia Dortmund has seemingly set a blueprint for European clubs to follow.
In January, Sunderland were forced to sell top scorer Josh Maja to French side Bordeaux on a four-and-a-half-year deal after the striker’s contract was due to expire at the Stadium of Light this summer.
Maja’s exit was a blow to Sunderland’s short-term promotion hopes, but arguably an even bigger blow to the Black Cats long-term as the talented 20-year-old could go on to fetch millions down the line.
Boro have a proud history of producing top academy players and Tavernier is not the only one reportedly attracting interest. The Northern Echo claims Bilal Brahimi and Stephen Walker have also caught the attentions of Premier League suitors.
Tavernier, 20, is suggested to be the one leading the way right now. He is one of the eldest of the academy players, and manager Tony Pulis has given him 14 Championship appearances this season.
The attacking left winger has a contract until 2021, but Boro know that missing out on promotion to the Premier League will leave them in a vulnerable position should top flight clubs come calling.
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