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Middlesbrough could miss out on turning a loan move into a permanent deal for one of their stars because of Antonio Conte.
As well as those already at the Riverside Stadium, Michael Carrick has relied on a raft of loan stars to keep Middlesbrough in the hunt for a play-off spot.
With three games left of the season and a top six spot still up for grabs, Boro’s future plans are taking a back seat for now, but will require focus sooner rather than later.
One of those who has impressed in Teesside would certainly be a popular player to keep beyond the summer, but they now face competition from Napoli for his signature.
- READ MORE: Transfer talks planned as Middlesbrough fans and talkSPORT pundit agree on first summer signing
Antonio Conte reportedly wants to sign Sam Iling-Junior
Napoli are doing their best to fill the hole left by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain in January by recruiting in the summer.
Conte’s side are in a Serie A title race with Inter Milan and want to strengthen the side ready for next season.
According to Sports Witness, via journalist Emanuele Cammaroto said to Radio Punto Nuovo, Napoli want Boro loanee Sam Iling-Junior to be the man to replace Kvaratskhelia.
The report says: A name that Manna (Napoli sporting director Giovanni) likes is that of Iling-Junior that Manna launched to Juventus. He is a player that is liked, he can play on the right and left flank, it is easy to understand Conte’s approval”
Iling-Junior joined Middlesbrough on loan in January and has looked at home in the left-back slot, however, the 21-year-old may be tempted by a return to Italy where he is fluent in the language and spent a large portion of his career at.
Middlesbrough want to extend Iling-Junior loan
Joining Napoli is not an easy thing to turn down given the club’s reputation, plus the allure of a Serie A title race and Champions League football, but Boro seemingly won’t go without trying.
Teesside Live suggests that Boro want to loan Iling-Junior from Aston Villa for another season to develop the youngster and supply him with regular first-team football.
Whether he sees his long term future at the Riverside or is persuaded by Conte to return to Italy, time will tell…