OPINION
Middlesbrough are reportedly lining up a £5million bid to sign Bristol City defender Aden Flint, but Newcastle United should hijack interest from their North East rivals immediately be making their own offer for him.
The Mirror claims in its live transfer blog (8:06pm, 19 June) that Boro are set to make a £5million move for the centre-back at their Championship rivals.
It is understood that that the initial offer may not be enough to sign the 6ft 6in colossus, but Boro manager Tony Pulis may be willing to increase the sum to get him.
However, Newcastle need to intervene and bring him to St James’ Park ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Flint has proven himself to be an absolute rock in the heart of the Bristol City defender in the Championship and looks more than good enough to make the step up to the Premier League.
The English powerhouse is a very imposing figure that is brilliant in the air and also confident in possession, something he has shown for the Robins.
He also has a remarkable attacking threat and managed nine goals in 46 appearances across all competitions in the most recent season.
Flint’s goal return would have made him Newcastle’s second highest goalscorer last season and having such a force from set-pieces would be ideal.
Newcastle’s current centre-back pairing of Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune looks solid enough going into next season, but they need pressure on them for starting positions and having a healthy squad has to be Rafael Benitez’s aim.
