Boro linked with a move for 21-year-old midfielder

Middlesbrough FC are one of four Championship sides that are linked with the Newcastle United midfielder.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Middlesbrough are among a quartet of Championship clubs linked with the signature of Newcastle United midfielder Daniel Barlaser.

Currently plying his trade on loan at Accrington Stanley, the 21-year-old has six months remaining on his contract with the Magpies, with negotiations yet to start over a new deal.

In addition to reporting that the midfielder is attracting interest from various Championship sides, including Derby Country, Preston North End and Wigan Athletic. Daily Mail have also reported that Barlaser is keen to extend his contract with Newcastle United.

However, with Newcastle United in the Premier League relegation fight and talks of takeover up in the air, it is likely that Barlaser would be keen to play his trade away from St. James Park next season.

Who Is Daniel Barlaser?

Before being picked up by Newcastle’s academy more than a decade ago, Barlaser joined the ranks of local youth side Swalwell Swifts.

From there on, he has climbed the ranks of the Newcastle academy system, before earning a debut in the senior team in a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City last season.

Described as a "skillful central midfielder" who is also a "fine presser of the ball" on Newcastle’s website, Barlaser has made 15 appearances this season for Accrington Stanley, however none of these are in his favoured central midfield role.

So far in his senior career, Barlaser has featured in 88 matches, both from the starting XI as well as from the substitute’s bench. In those 88 matches, he has scored four goals while assisting 12 times.

Will Newcastle let him go?

Last summer, Newcastle United released English youth goalkeeper Paul Woolston, only to see Manchester United acquire the services of the talented shot-stopper late in the summer.

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Therefore, if rumours are to believed, Newcastle’s academy staff will be keen to ensure that the future of the player is at Newcastle. However, amid talks of a takeover, nothing is decided as of yet, a situation which could encourage the likes of Boro, and fellow Championship teams, to make their move for the playmaker.

Follow the latest transfer activity during the January transfer window with oneBoro.