The Middlesbrough left-back is one of the best left backs outside of the Premier League, and has been a revelation since his move from Doncaster.

He has been incredible for Middlesbrough at left-back and tremendously consistent for the team, even in games where the rest of the team haven't turned up.

He was part of the tightest defence in the Championship last year and showed incredible maturity at both attacking and defending.

Friend was rewarded for his performances by making the Championship team of the year, and was also named Middlesbrough player of the season.

He has also became a cult hero at Middlesbrough for not only his tremendous performances on the field but his work in the community off it, and he loves to engage with fans.

The defendder was crucial to Middlesbrough getting to the play-off final last year and has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the league.

He is the most consistent player the team have and will certainly attract plenty of Premier League interest, for his excellent defensive work and work ethic when marauding down the wing.

Here are FIVE Premier League clubs, who in the opinion of FLW's Michael Hasan, should sign Friend in January.....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE CLUBS!

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West Bromwich Albion

pulisss99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The club were linked with a summer move for Friend but it never came to fruition.

With Pulis now in charge of West Brom, the defence is certainly the most important part of the team.

Current left-back is Chris Brunt which seems astonishing given his good attacking ability and he is usually played further up field.

He has been caught out many times at left-back this season, with the most notable case being when Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha ripped him apart at Selhurst Park.

Brunt lacks the pace and defensive ability to play here, so Friend would be a much better option here for Pulis.

Bournemouth

howe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cherries made a decent start to the season, but the injuries to key attacking players Max Gradel and Callum Wilson have left them short up front.

The defence has fared no better, with big money signing Tyrone Mings and captain Tommy Elphick being ruled out through injury.

Mings was their main left-back, but ever since his injury, they have really struggled at the back and are leaking a lot of goals.

With the owners likely to splash the cash for defensive reinforcements in January, and Friend would be more than able in the Premier League.

Sunderland

allardyceeee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another team majorly struggling at the back this season and they sit 19th in the table.

New manager Allardyce will aim to rebuild from the back, and he will no doubt spend in the winter to try and keep them up.

Friend is one of the best left-backs in the Championship and is unlikely to be for sale, but Allardyce will do whatever it takes to add quality to his side, and the Championship is a good place to look.

Newcastle United

mcclaren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet another North East team majorly struggling at the back, the club currently sit in the relegation zone.

They have one of the worst defences in the league and in January they need to spend.

McClaren was manager of Derby County last season and saw first hand what a quality consistent player Friend is, and will potentially feel he can help the Newcastle team improve.

Aston Villa

gardeee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A team that have seemed to possess a weak defence every season, luckily for them Benteke made up for there poor defence by scoring enough goals to keep them up.

Without him this season, they will need a better defence and they have failed at that so far this season.

Their clean sheet against Manchester City was promising though but Remi Garde will know more additions in the winter are needed, and Friend would certainly be a good start.

Would Friend leave Middlesbrough for these clubs? Leave thoughts and opinions below!