Having taken over the reins at Middlesbrough earlier this month, Jonathan Woodgate will undoubtedly be wanting to put his own stamp on his new side before the Championship campaign kicks-off in just under six-weeks' time.

Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the 39-year-old has been linked with a move for one of Everton's most exciting young prospects.

According to TEAMtalk, Boro are reportedly interested in signing Josh Bowler on loan from the Toffees with Derby County, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday also keeping tabs on the winger.

If this is indeed true, it is imperative that Woodgate considers both the positives and the negatives that the 20-year-old could have on the Smoggies' fortunes next season before committing to a switch.

Keeping this in mind, we have set out two pros as well as cons to Boro sealing a deal for Bowler based on his career to date.

Check them out below...

Pros

He demonstrated some real signs of promise for Everton's under-23 side last season

Although he has yet to make his senior debut for Everton, Bowler did produce some hugely encouraging displays for the club's under-23 side last season as they stormed to the Premier League 2 title whilst also winning the Premier League Cup.

With the likes of Ademola Lookman, Richarlison and Theo Walcott all ahead of him in the pecking order at Goodison Park, a move away from the Toffees could be highly beneficial for his development as a player.

Therefore, by giving Bowler the chance to prove himself, Boro may reap the rewards next season if he can hit the ground running in the Championship.

He could provide the club's forwards with some much-needed service

Whereas the Smoggies boasted the joint-best defensive record in the second-tier last season alongside Sheffield United, the fact that they only mustered up 49 goals in 46 games suggests that Woodgate needs to address this issue as soon as possible.

An extremely talented player who loves to take on defenders, Bowler may turn out to be the solution to this problem as he will be confident in his ability to provide Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher with some much-needed service next season.

Cons

He may find it hard to cope in the Championship

When you consider that Bowler has only ever made one appearance in the Championship during his time at Queens Park Rangers, it would not be a shock if he ends up struggling to cope in what is one of the world's most competitive leagues.

If he does end up failing to produce the goods for Boro during the upcoming campaign, it could have a detrimental impact on his evolution as a winger which is the last thing that parent-club Everton will want.

Boro arguably already have better options than Bowler at their disposal

Despite clearly possessing a wide array of skills, there is no guarantee that Bowler will be a regular starter for Boro next season.

With the Smoggies already having the likes of Marcus Tavernier, Lewis Wing and Marvin Johnson at their disposal, the 20-year-old will have to fight off stiff competition if he is to become an ever-present in Woodgate's side over the next 11 months.