A string of European clubs are reportedly queuing up to sign Middlesbrough defender Enes Mahmutovic this summer, though the 22-year-old's preference would be to stay at the Riverside. 

Mahmutovic's contract with the Championship outfit is set to expire this summer but, according to Teesside Live, he is keen to sign a new deal with Boro.

Should that not happen, however, the defender would have a wide variety of options available to him as it is understood that a string of European clubs are queueing up to sign him.

It is believed that there has been interest from teams in the top two tiers in Turkey and Holland, as well as from clubs in the German second and third division.

The Luxembourg international joined Boro in 2017 and after progressing through the youth set up has made two appearances for the senior side.

Both of those have come at right-back but the 22-year-old is most comfortable in central defence.

Mahmutovic has spent the current campaign out on loan with MVV Maastricht in the Dutch second tier, making 16 appearances so far.

There could be something of a defensive exodus at Boro this season, with Daniel Ayala set to leave the club and Dael Fry linked with an exit in the past.

Can you name the player who scored the first Middlesbrough goal in each of the last 16 seasons? Have a go now!

 

 

The Verdict

This report is good news for Boro as it suggests that staying at the Riverside is Mahmutovic's preferred outcome.

The 22-year-old hasn't had a huge amount of chances to impress at the North East club so far but it appears he is determined to prove himself for the Teessiders.

Mahmutovic appears to be an exciting young prospect, given the European-wide interest in him.

It will be interesting to see how this develops and whether the potential exits of other defensive options improves his chances.