Championship outfit Middlesbrough have held talks with Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster regarding a potential move to the Riverside Stadium this summer, according to a report from the Northern Echo.

The 39-year-old is confirmed to be leaving Vicarage Road on the expiration of his contract despite appearing regularly for the Hornets during the 2021/22 campaign, recording 26 Premier League appearances but being unable to keep his current side afloat in the division.

With Daniel Bachmann at their disposal though, the Hertfordshire outfit seem relaxed about the prospect of letting the experienced Foster go, with the latter's next destination unknown at this stage.

 

 

According to Marca, top-tier sides Arsenal and Aston Villa are both interested in snapping him up, though he's unlikely to be first-choice shot-stopper at this stage with Aaron Ramsdale continuing to thrive in goal for the Gunners and Emiliano Martinez establishing himself as a world-class stopper at Villa Park.

One place where he could play regularly though is Boro, with Chris Wilder on the prowl for a goalkeeper or two following Joe Lumley's departure to Reading, with Luke Daniels unlikely to take his starting spot between the sticks.

The Northern Echo have reported that the Teesside outfit have held talks with the former England international, though he is just one of many reported targets with the second-tier side seemingly having multiple irons in the fire.

The Verdict:

Foster is a reasonably reliable shot-stopper so this could be a good addition for Boro - and he's certainly a player that can be a leader in the dressing room with his personality and the wealth of experience he has under his belt.

He may not have played 38 league games last season - but he did appear more regularly than some would have expected and he should be reasonably sharp going into next term because of this.

Recent reports regarding his professionalism may be a concern - and at this point - it would be difficult to see Foster giving up his YouTube channel at any cost with the 39-year-old potentially only having one or two more seasons left in the tank.

However, he does have the pedigree to be a real asset at the Riverside and this is why they are wise to hold talks with him. The fact he's a free agent is a bonus, though they shouldn't be looking to fork out huge wages to lure him to the club.

The experienced keeper will also need to relocate if he is to make the move to Wilder's side - and this is one potential barrier to this deal being concluded because he may not want to move his family somewhere else for just one or two seasons.