2 Middlesbrough Players Who Tony Pulis Could Sell By The End Of The January Transfer Window
Since Pulis took over on December 27th, Boro have played three Championship matches during which time some notable players have been given little or no game time. Pulis watched Boro’s under-23’s recently with a view to keeping an eye on some of his fringe players, a few of which may be shown the door given that Pulis thinks the squad is too “bloated”.
Because of this, Adam Clayton and Marvin Johnson were asked to play less than a day after featuring against Fulham at the Riverside while Dael Fry, Adlene Guedioura and Ashley Fletcher were all involved as well. After a good start to his Boro career, Marvin Johnson seems to be at risk slightly, now having played only 17 minutes of first-team football since Pulis took charge of affairs. However, he was on the scoresheet for the under-23’s recently.
For Pulis, that reserve game was a good opportunity to watch some of those on the periphery of the team in a more competitive match. He also organised a full 11 v 11 game at Rockliffe to assess the players even more, though it would seem the following two are most likely to be shown the door with time already running out for the club to get good value deals done.
Ashley Fletcher
The former West Ham man looks vulnerable as Pulis has spoken publicly about the fact that he was unsure whether he “suits the players Boro have got”. He did grab two goals in the aforementioned under-23 game that Pulis was watching, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Fletcher is wanted by Barnsley this month and it may well be that Pulis could look to encourage this move, with Braithwaite, Assombalonga, Gestede and others on the books.
Adam Forshaw
Both he and former regular midfield partner Adam Clayton have been rumoured to be leaving, with several Championship clubs interested. But it seems like Forshaw is the one who is most at risk. Forshaw was not in the matchday squad for the game against Fulham last weekend and was a notable absentee along with Lewis Baker, though in the case of the latter, Pulis has essentially issued him a challenge.
Baker can return to Chelsea this month if he wants to, however, Pulis has basically said he is welcome to stay if he is prepared to fight for his place. However, no such comments have been made publicly regarding Forshaw and it seems he is very much seen as being surplus to requirements now.