'Hard to top' - Middlesbrough fans react to links with former Preston North End loanee

Middlesbrough fans have weighed in on reports linking their club to former Preston North End loanee Lewis Dobbin.

Football Insider’s transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke reported that Boro are interested in bringing the 23-year-old in on a permanent deal, claims later backed up by Teesside Live and the Northern Echo.

Dobbin scored 11 goals and assisted eight across 41 games for North End last season. The Northern Echo’s Middlesbrough reporter Dom Shaw and the Boro Breakdown’s Dana Malt gave their views on the links on the Echo’s ‘You Are My Boro’ podcast.

Shaw shared some insight on the possible move: “I'm not saying the Dobbin deal is down the line yet from what I gather, it's not at that stage yet, but he's clearly a player Boro like. Boro wanted him in January, but at that stage it was decided he'd see the season out at Preston, but that interest remains strong.

Malt said: “I think he's one of those players that Boro absolutely should be targeting and I'm glad that that they are. I was looking, as I do, in the off-season at players Boro could sign - he's one that came up because he's versatile.

“He plays in a few different positions: he could play left-wing, he could play number 10, up front. Doesn't that just show that he is a versatile option? He can supply the front line, but also he can score goals himself. And that front line area is a position Boro need to strengthen.”

Malt added: “If we can get that over the line, that's a brilliant signing for us and I think it would be, dare I say, hard to top. I’m glad we've used our connections to Aston Villa - obviously we've had a lot of exchanges with them over the years and and that's pivotal.”

Middlesbrough fans have taken to X to share their thoughts on the potential move.

@JacobRaw_MFC: Felt like we were always going to make a move for him this summer. 18 g/a in 33 Championship starts for Preston is very impressive. Versatile, good with both feet, and our relationship with Villa is crucial for a deal. Could see him coming for low ish fee with big bonuses. #utb

@Danielw26738836: Finally some positive news, the other fella from Preston who was on loan from Tottenham is a cracking player as well we sorted out the defence last year by bringing in proven championship quality, we should be aiming to do the same up top!

@chrisnaisbitt69: Scored a great goal against us.

@BenGreen1876: Well the last striker who was on {loan} to Preston (Cameron Archer) before us did alright

@RSRAgain: We need a number 9. Everything else is secondary, until it’s sorted

What Dobbin has said about his future

I want to take a step forward rather than a sideways or backwards step,” said Dobbin, “ I want to try and play at the highest level possible; I think I can do that. So, that's what I'll aim to do and we'll see what happens. I speak to them (Aston Villa) weekly. I'll have to go in after the end of the season so we'll see what they say and hopefully, they'll be really happy with me.”

”We'll see what happens. I mean, it depends. There's a lot of factors. You've got to listen to what other clubs are saying. You've got to listen to what Aston Villa want for you as well. So, it's difficult. I think whatever happens, I'll try and make it the most suitable move for me and the position I'm in, in my career at the minute. I've just got to make the most out of whatever situation I get thrown into.”