Middlesbrough midfielder Lewis Wing is attracting serious interest from Premier League Southampton, who will continue to monitor his performances throughout the rest of the campaign, according to the Northern Echo.

Wing has emerged as one of Middlesbrough’s most influential performers as the season has progressed, with the midfielder able to add some extra quality to the middle of the pitch, as well as the ability to add some much-needed extra productivity in the final third.

The 24-year-old has managed to register six goals in 30 Championship appearances for Middlesbrough so far this campaign, three of which have come in Boro’s last three games, having netted twice in the draw at Wigan Athletic and in their 3-2 defeat at Brentford a few weeks ago.

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It is now thought that Wing’s performances for Jonathan Woodgate’s side have brought serious interest from Southampton, who are set to carry on watching the midfielder’s performances for the rest of the season, while Bournemouth are also thought to be interested in a potential move for him in the summer.

The verdict

Wing has undoubtedly emerged as a crucial first team player under Woodgate this season, with the 24-year-old having really established himself as a vital part of Boro’s midfield, delivering a string of reliable and consistent performances in the middle of the pitch.

The 24-year-old’s ability to score some excellent long-range efforts has seen him emerge as one of Middlesbrough’s most influential attacking threats, and Wing appears to be growing in belief and confidence the more the season progresses having scored three goals in his last three games.

Given the midfielder’s form over the last few weeks in particular, it is no surprise that some Premier League clubs are starting to register an interest in the 24-year-old, and Middlesbrough could be set to face a real battle to keep hold of him come the summer transfer window.

It would be a real blow for Middlesbrough were they to lose a player of Wing’s quality in the summer, but Woodgate’s side are in a reasonably strong place with the midfielder contractually, so could be able to command a large fee for him which could then be used to further strengthen the squad.