BBC Sport report this afternoon that Middlesbrough could be interested in prizing Mark Yeates away from Colchester United, despite Paul Lambert`s protestations.
The Irishman is seen as an idea long-term replacement for England international Stuart Downing, according to today`s newspapers.
The Daily Mirror reported the speculation today, saying that the 24-year-old would cost Gareth Southgate just £350,000. Downing, the current left-winger, has been linked with big-money moves to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks.
Winger Yeates, 24, was also reportedly subject to a £300,000 bid from Bristol City yesterday but is also a long-time target of Crystal Palace.
Colchester manager, Paul Lambert, has today denied that there have been an bids for Yeates, or any other player in his squad.
On the possibility of selling Yeates, who is in his second spell at Colchester, he said: “The way Mark plays means he’s an eye catcher. If an offer came in which we felt was good for the club then it’s something we’d have to look at.”
So will Mark Yeates be able to resist the lure of a bigger club?
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He’s a mid-table championship club player at best
Yes, maybe. Perhpas he hogs the ball too much to make it any higher. Still, he’ll go for sure if they come calling!
is he any good
Well, not a player we wanna lose ideally as he scores a lot of goals from midfield but if with one year left I can see him going! Tim – he flashes hot and cold, one game he’s great, the next not so great!
I think he’s a solid Championship player and he’d probably do very well in that team!
He’d also make a good PL player if required, in a team like Hull.
He aint that good IMHO. . .
His free-kicks are amazing!