Middlesbrough FC could revisit transfer interest in 24-goal striker after potential price-drop revelation | OneFootball

Middlesbrough could be set to rekindle their interest in a prolific centre-forward this summer after a recent admission over his potential price.

Slovan Bratislava striker David Strelec was strongly linked with a move to Middlesbrough during the winter transfer window.

Boro were said to have lodged a 'good offer' for the 24-year-old centre-forward in January by Slovan boss Vladimir Weiss, as the Teessiders attempted to line up an Emmanuel Latte Lath replacement.

Weiss confirmed that Strelec had the opportunity to make the switch to Teesside, but due to the fact the player was only given consent to pursue the move on the eve of deadline day, no deal was able to materialise in time.

The Slovakian international was understood to have been keen on a move to Middlesbrough, and hasn't ruled out the possibility of leaving the Slovakian champions this summer.

"There is still interest in him" - Middlesbrough handed potential boost in David Strelec chase

With it being widely known that members of Middlesbrough's recruitment team were desperate for the club to conclude a deal for Strelec in January, there will no doubt have been a feeling of frustration seeing the opportunity to secure his signature pass them by.

However, they may yet get another bite at the cherry, and should it all work out, they could even land the centre-forward for less than what they might have paid in the winter.

Speaking to Slovakian media via Teesside Live, Slovan's CEO, Ivan Kmotrik, admitted that the club may well earn less money for Strelec this summer should they cash in on their star striker.

He said: "We took a risk with David. In the summer, maybe a slightly lower offer will come, it can happen. But David didn’t leave in the winter because we weren’t ready for it. The offers were very good, but the really interesting ones came at the last minute (believed to have been from Middlesbrough).

"We didn’t have a transfer target to sign for the club that was ready, it would have been a patchwork move. Today, I can’t rule out whether he will stay or leave. There is still interest in him.

"Compared to the winter, he will only be a few months older, his position has not deteriorated significantly. Maybe the club will earn a little less, but he will be well prepared and will bring adequate compensation to the club."

With Kelechi Iheanacho - the striker Middlesbrough signed instead of Strelec in the winter window - certain to return to parent club Sevilla without the prospect of a permanent deal on Teesside, Boro will surely be looking to strengthen their centre-forward ranks once again this summer.

Tommy Conway is now Boro's only natural number nine, with Marcus Forss, Morgan Whittaker and Delano Burgzorg all tending to operate as wingers.

Josh Coburn has returned to the Riverside Stadium after his loan spell with Millwall this past season, but he's struggled to ever truly cement a starting role as a Middlesbrough player, and Millwall are understood to be keen on completing a permanent deal for him this summer.

Strelec has also previously confessed to having an interest in plying his trade in English football, in what can only be seen as a further boost to Boro's chances of landing him.

"I lacked individual quality in Italy. I admit I found it really hard communicating too. If I had offers from two equally good clubs, one from the English Premier League and the other Serie A, it wouldn't be a difficult decision. Definitely England," he told Slovakian press via Teesside Live.

Celtic are also understood to be keen on a move for Strelec, after his 24 goals and eight assists in 46 total appearances so far this 24/25 season (as of 13 May), five of which came in the Champions League, has once again showcased his goalscoring ability.

The Scottish giants would prove stiff competition for Middlesbrough should they both present offers to Strelec in the summer, but armed with their recent club-record £22.5m sale of Latte Lath in February, £17.6m of which came as an initial fee, Boro should have the financial flexibility to be as aggressive as they like.

Therefore, a fascinating summer awaits to see how this long-running transfer saga could eventually reach its conclusion.