Ray Parlour talks Middlesbrough and Hull City transfers | OneFootball

Ray Parlour has been speaking exclusively to Football League World

Though their 2024/25 aspirations are different, the January transfer window looks set to be a busy one for both Middlesbrough and Hull City.

Boro have eyes on promotion to the Premier League while the Tigers are battling for Championship survival and the winter window could be a vital period at both clubs.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, via NetBet Online Casino, Parlour has shared his thoughts on two of his former clubs.

Among the forwards linked with a move to the MKM Stadium this month are Aston Villa star Louie Barry and Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt.

Half the Championship are seemingly in the race for Barry after his 15 goals at Stockport County in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign and Parlour has warned the Tigers they may struggle to win the race for his signature.

He said: "It’s a tough one as Sunderland and Leeds United especially are pushing for promotion and may well have more budget to offer. These are big teams with bigger resources, so have the power to offer more.

"But for Hull City, the situation is also critical for a different reason as they need to pick up wins to move out of the relegation zone. For the player, it’s important he quickly evaluates all opportunities as must look at the best option for himself."

Gelhardt is reportedly closing in on a move to Hull and Selles, who brought the best out of so many young players during his Reading FC tenure, could be just the coach to get the best out of him.

On the forward, who has struggled to make an impact at Leeds, Parlour said: "He could definitely do a good job for Hull City as they battle to avoid relegation. The second half of the season promised to be very important for Hull City and they need to pick up points quickly as the teams around them have been winning and they don’t want to make it even more difficult if the gap widens."

Middlesbrough shouldn't sell Emmanuel Latte Lath and need to replace him beyond just Ricky-Jade Jones

The race for Emmanuel Latte Lath is heating up. Premier League clubs were linked early in the window but it now appears there is growing interest from abroad – with MLS side Atalanta reportedly bidding £16 million.

Parlour has urged the Teessiders not to cash in this month and to line up a replacement if they do.

He said: "You can’t sell a key player like him. It shows a real lack of ambition when you want to get promoted. I understand the fee can help the financials and longer-term stability of the club, but top strikers at this level are difficult to find.

"Unless Boro have a ready-made striker ready to relace Latte Lath, this could be a difficult one to take as a fan, and also I am not sure what role Michael Carrick will have in this as I am sure he wants to keep the player."

Lightning-quick Peterborough United forward Ricky-Jade Jones is thought to be a Boro target but Parlour feels that his goal record means that Michael Carrick should sign another replacement as well.

He explained: "Losing Latte Lath would be a big blow to Boro in their promotion chase, but the only way to offset this is to bring in a ready-made replacement who is scoring goals and will know the League. Ricky-Jade Jones has scored 6 goals in League One and looks a good striker.

"I do think though Boro may need to add more than this to replace Latte Lath in the long term, but Jade Jones does have the ability to score goals and can fit in quickly."

One player that has already left the Riverside is Isaiah Jones, who has signed for Championship rivals Luton Town in a deal that could be worth up to £5 million.

Parlour understands the disappointment that may have met Jones' exit but appreciates that Boro need to balance their books.

He said: "It’s always disappointing to see players leave the club who are talented. As mentioned, Boro are now pushing for promotion and not that far away.

"Michael Carrick has got the team playing much better this year and they are sitting comfortable in a play off spot. It’s now time to consolidate this and keep on winning. But to see players leave who can help the Club grow is a shame, but you have to balance the books somehow."