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Marcus Tavernier is a shock summer target for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, according to the Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Middlesbrough are to brace themselves for a summer bid with the German outfit keeping tabs on the promising 19-year-old.

Tavernier has made 18 appearances for Boro this term and has been impressive under Tony Pulis, scoring four goals.

The winger can also be deployed as a left-back and is interesting the German side.

Leverkusen are monitoring his progress with a view to making an offer for his services once the transfer window opens in the summer.

The Daily Mail is also reporting that the Bundesliga side are expecting some of their young players to receive interest this summer and are putting in work to replace them, should any leave.

Hence why they have watched Tavernier in the Championship and on international duty and are continuing to monitor his progress as they weigh up making an offer.

If he were to leave, Boro would need to replace him in the summer ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

And here are THREE possible replacements Pulis should consider if Tavernier gets an exciting move abroad.

[snack_break title="Jed Wallace"]

Even though the winger signed a new deal at Millwall, if the club goes down, they could struggle to keep hold of him.

Boro have been in for the winger before, making a deadline day move for the 24-year-old.

Pulis could revisit his previous target and snap the winger up at a cut-price if the Lions go down.

[snack_break title="Tom Barkhuizen"]

The Preston man can play on either wing or in a forward position, too and has been impressive for Alex Neil’s men this term.

Six goals and one assist to his name, Barkhuizen has been a real consistent performer for a solid North End side.

There is certain to be summer interest in the 25-year-old so Boro should move ahead of the curve and look to get the ball rolling now.

[snack_break title="Jason Puncheon"]

The Huddersfield winger has reportedly had a bust-up with the club’s new manager and with them staring at a return to the Championship, his days at the Terriers look to be numbered.

Pulis has also tried to sign the winger previously ahead of the start of this season but to no avail.

With the latest development at the Premier League club, Boro could be the escape route and lifeline he needs to get out of the struggling side.

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