Middlesbrough are reported to be in advanced talks to sign striker Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis, in what would represent a significant addition to the club's attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Background to the move
Lankshear, 21, emerged on the radar of Boro over the past couple of seasons and was the subject of an enquiry from the club in January. At that time he remained at Oxford United to honour a loan spell and, despite the club's relegation from the Championship, he finished the campaign with a productive return of 12 goals and four assists.
The striker's performances have attracted sustained interest from multiple Championship clubs this summer. Middlesbrough's reported progress in negotiations with Spurs suggests they may have outpaced rival suitors in the race for a younger centre forward who combines finishing, physical presence and hold-up play.
Why the signing matters for Boro
Goal-scoring was a clear weakness for Middlesbrough in the season they failed to secure promotion. The recruitment of a proven centre forward has been identified as a priority by the club as they look to rebuild a side capable of mounting a sustained challenge for promotion.
Already this summer Boro have confirmed the arrivals of versatile forwards Myles Peart-Harris and Kyle Joseph. If the Lankshear deal is completed he is likely to be the club's third signing of the window and would represent a different profile to some of the other attacking options being assembled.
- Playing profile: noted for strong finishing, physicality and hold-up play.
- Recent form: 12 goals, four assists for Oxford United in the season just concluded.
- Club pursuit: Middlesbrough previously enquired in January and have remained interested.
Squad priorities and wider recruitment
Sources close to Middlesbrough indicate the club remains active in the market and is looking to strengthen across several areas. The specific needs cited by the club include at least one more forward and reinforcements in midfield, defence and goal.
| Position | Reported need |
|---|---|
| Forward | At least one more to add competition/variety |
| Central midfield | Two midfielders sought |
| Centre-back | One signing desired |
| Left-back | One signing desired |
| Goalkeeper | One signing desired |
Early pre-season friendlies have provided mixed signals about available attacking options. David Strelec has impressed with three goals in the first two warm-up matches, while other forwards have had less consistent game time under new manager Kim Hellberg.
What supporters should know
Any move for Lankshear will be subject to standard contractual and medical checks and the usual formalities between clubs. Supporters should expect the club to continue targeting fresh faces across multiple positions as part of what the hierarchy has described as a significant summer of rebuilding following the disappointment of missing out on promotion.
The apparent progress in negotiations underlines Middlesbrough's determination to address goalscoring shortcomings and to broaden the options available to Hellberg. If confirmed, the signing would be closely watched by supporters and analysts assessing Boro's prospects for the 2026–27 campaign.
Further developments are likely to follow as the transfer window progresses. InfoRadar will continue to monitor the situation and report confirmed details as clubs announce them.
