Middlesbrough can’t stop ‘special’ duo Chelsea ‘like’ from leaving, they have ‘made rapid strides’

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EFL Analysis has learned that two Middlesbrough youngsters, one of whom made the bench against Blackburn Rovers, are liked by Chelsea and Brighton.

Boro returned to Championship action on Friday evening, picking up what could prove to be a major three points.

An own goal and fantastic effort from Tommy Conway saw Middlesbrough beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 and climb back into the play-off places – at least until Saturday’s 3pm fixtures played out.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	BurnleyBurnley	39	22	15	2	53	11	42	81
4	SunderlandSunderland	39	20	12	7	56	37	19	72
5	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	40	17	9	14	61	49	12	60
6	CoventryCoventry	39	17	8	14	56	51	5	59
7	West BromWest Brom	39	13	18	8	48	35	13	57

It was an important step in the right direction for Michael Carrick’s men and was also a historic moment for one young Boro sensation.

• READ MORE: Michael Carrick was quick to do one thing after Middlesbrough beat Blackburn Rovers, he’s ‘seen it before’

Middlesbrough duo Anton and Bailey Palmer are liked by Chelsea

Middlesbrough have produced some amazing talent in their academy over the years, including Sky Sports’ Man of the Match versus Blackburn, Hayden Hackney.

Two of the latest prospects to emerge in the North East are twins Anton and Bailey Palmer.

Bailey has already been named on the bench for the Teessiders, while Friday’s meeting with Blackburn was the first time Carrick opted to select Anton.

He didn’t get on the pitch, but it was still a big moment for the 16-year-old.

Now, EFL Analysis have spoken exclusively to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the duo, who have interest from Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion.

He said: “The Palmer twins are special – Boro know they have some top talents on their hands. The pair have made rapid strides and the fact both have now made the bench speaks volumes.

“But Boro know they can’t stop them from leaving if a big club comes calling – Chelsea like them both a lot and have been doing work on them, but they are not alone – Brighton are amongst others who have looked.”

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough fans have a lot to say about Kelechi Iheanacho after Blackburn Rovers – it’s hard to argue

Middlesbrough trio eyed for summer transfers

It’s not just Anton and Bailey Palmer who are being looked at by teams in higher divisions this summer.

Finn Azaz has been scouted by Crystal Palace, but we understand the midfielder is not going anywhere.

Elsewhere, Hackney is expected to leave Middlesbrough if they fail to win promotion this season.

Similarly, Rav van den Berg is likely to depart later this year if Boro remain in the Championship, with the centre-back receiving interest from the Bundesliga.