Middlesbrough will ‘keep pushing’ for Rob Edwards’ ‘dream signing’, but it’s ‘not going to be easy’

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Middlesbrough are continuing their push to sign one of newly appointed boss Rob Edwards’ top summer transfer window targets.

Since becoming the new Middlesbrough manager earlier this summer, Rob Edwards has not yet brought in his first signing of the summer transfer window.

With Championship rivals strengthening around them, Boro’s headlines have been dominated by outgoings and the potential for more high-profile exits.

Millwall signed Josh Coburn for a club-record fee earlier in the window, with Anfernee Dijksteel also leaving Boro and becoming one of the best Championship free agents available.

This week, club legend Jonny Howson departed Boro after an eight-year stay on Teesside, in a decision which has proven unpopular among the Middlesbrough faithful.

With Boro’s pre-season campaign off to a disappointing start, Edwards must recruit some quality signings soon, and EFL Analysis can reveal that Boro have a “good chance” of landing the former Luton Town boss’ “dream signing”.

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Middlesbrough will keep pushing to sign Alfie Doughty for Rob Edwards

Most recently in pre-season, Boro drew 3-3 with Mansfield Town, after initially leading 3-0, with Edwards praising Riley McGree and Morgan Whittaker despite the defeat.

On Saturday, Boro face Scottish giants Rangers at Ibrox while fears linger over the future of key duo Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg.

Feyenoord are in talks for van den Berg, with a fee of £10m mooted, as Man Utd and Tottenham circle Hackney.

In terms of incomings, EFL Analysis can reveal, thanks to information from our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Boro will “keep pushing” to sign Luton full-back Alfie Doughty this summer in a move which would be a “dream signing” for Edwards.

Bailey said: “Rob Edwards would love him at Boro. It’s something of a dream signing for him, and Middlesbrough don’t have a lot of options on that left-hand side.

“So, Middlesbrough would like him. They’ll keep pushing for him. I think there’s a good chance they do get him, but it’s not going to be easy that one.

“And is it one of the priorities? Maybe not. So, Middlesbrough will have to see what money comes in and spread it. But I don’t think they’ll give up on Doughty yet.

“I think there’s a good chance he does end up going at some point. Edwards does want him. He really does.”

Doughty to Middlesbrough was mooted in June, and with Boro desperately needing to begin their summer transfer window business, it’s clear why Doughty would be the perfect first signing for Edwards at the Riverside.

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Why Rob Edwards would love to sign Alfie Doughty at Middlesbrough

Doughty was a key figure at Kenilworth Road for Edwards with the left-sided star playing a pivotal role in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League, and giving a great account of himself in the top flight.

In Luton’s ill-fated 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Englishman Doughty scored two goals and notched eight assists in 37 top flight appearances.

Before his time at Luton concluded, Edwards labelled Doughty “high level” and was elated to see the wing-back sign a new deal for his former side.

In September, he told Luton Today of Doughty: “It’s something that he’s deserved.

“There’s still a lot more to come from him as well, which is really exciting.

“We want to retain and keep our really high level performing players and he’s still at a brilliant age as well where he’s only going to get better.”

With Boro last in the top flight several seasons ago, Edwards’ task of masterminding promotion in his maiden campaign in the Riverside dugout would be made easier with his former Luton standout’s technical prowess and eye for goal.