Football
Dael Fry Draws Multiple Suitors as Middlesbrough Future Hangs in Balance
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Chelsea v Middlesbrough - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg by Nigel French/Allstar | Getty Images
Middlesbrough stalwart Dael Fry has a number of suitors keeping a keen eye on whether the Championship play-off chasers offer him a new deal, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Boro’s future is far from guaranteed after a recent mini slump has seriously hampered their bid for automatic promotion.
That hasn’t stopped them giving Fry’s defensive colleague Luke Ayling a new deal increasing speculation Fry might need to look elsewhere.
The 28-year-old has played all his career, apart from a brief loan spell with Rotherham, with the Teesside club after a senior debut at 17.
Popular with team mates and fans alike, he becomes a free agent in June. He would jump at the chance of representing his home town club in the Premier League.
However, if Kim Hellberg’s side doesn’t go up, Fry might opt for a career change after his long service with Boro.
Burnley were linked with the big defender in the past. And with relegation from the top flight a formality, the Clarets might re-visit a move for Fry as part of any Scott Parker re-build at Turf Moor.
A more likely destination is newly promoted and League One champions elect, Lincoln City.
Fry’s experience and leadership skills, he is currently Middlesbrough’s captain, would be invaluable for the Imps.
It is understood Michael Skubala is keen to keep the core group that got the club promoted together for their Championship challenge, but there will be the odd shrewd addition no doubt.
If Middlesbrough miss out on promotion, it could trigger a full squad reset, with Hayden Hackney and Morgan Whittaker both expected to depart for Premier League clubs.
Experienced Head
Fry, a former Under 20 World Cup winner with England, has played 27 times scoring three goals for Middlesbrough this season.
Should he part company then Middlesbrough’s Championship rivals, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United could be in the market for the talented centre half.
A move to London, however, could be less appealing for the North East born star. And the Blades are set to lose New Zealand defender Tyler Bindon back to parent club Nottingham Forest this summer.
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