"Not surprised" - Seny Dieng claim made as Newcastle and Ipswich Town eye Middlesbrough star | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng has been the subject of interest from sides above Boro in the English footballing pyramid.

Reports from The Telegraph have said that both Newcastle United, and Championship leaders Ipswich Town, have scouted Dieng as a potential option for the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old only arrived at the Riverside Stadium less than a year ago, when he signed a four-year deal with the club, which also saw Boro pay an undisclosed fee to Queens Park Rangers for him, as per Teeside Live.

Dieng did make a mistake in a recent match against Hull City, which put a huge dent in his team's slim play-off hopes, but, on the whole, he has been a good signing by them.

Middlesbrough fan reacts to Seny Dieng interest

Football League World'sMiddlesbrough fan pundit, Dana Malt, has said that she thinks that they spotted a diamond in the rough by getting the Senegal international from a poor QPR team. She also added that, despite the recent mistake at the MKM Stadium, she wasn't surprised that clubs like Ipswich and Newcastle were considering making a move for him.

"I'm not surprised that Dieng is the subject of interest from other clubs," said Malt. "He's been a really smart pick-up from Boro because they signed him from a very poorly performing QPR, who we all saw fell off a cliff under Gareth Ainsworth.

"I think if you were to ask their fans, they would probably say that Dieng was poor himself, but there's value to be had in players that are playing for sides that aren't playing very well. Sometimes players aren't bad, but they get dragged down to the level that their team is at.

"Credit should go to Kieran Scott, and the rest of the recruitment team, for that. He's been in the running for Player of the Season. The Hull game aside, where he made a costly error by playing the ball straight to Jean-Michael Seri, he really has come up with some big, positive moments for Boro this season.

"In terms of a value, I don't have a clue. He's a goalkeeper, and it's a specialist position that is different to any other. But, I'm not surprised that there's interest.

"I hope that we keep him, and I think that we will, but it's not a surprise that other clubs are looking at him."

Middlesbrough need to carry on goalkeeper theme if Seny Dieng leaves

In his defence of the 29-year-old glovesman, Michael Carrick referred to the risks that come with the way he wants to play. The former Manchester United midfielder wants his team to start attacks right at the back, with the goalkeeper being capable of contributing to the build-up play.

Despite the loose pass to Seri in the draw with the Tigers, Dieng has been good with his feet this season. When passing the ball to teammates in the Boro half, he has a success rate of 92%, as per Sofascore, which is almost as good as Alisson and Ederson.

If either the Magpies or the Tractor Boys do put in an offer that is too good for both player and club to turn down, then they have to try and turn to somebody with the same characteristics as Dieng.

Carrick has been very clear about his preferred philosophy when it comes to football, and it's going to be hard to carry that out if the person between the sticks isn't comfortable having the ball at their feet.