Middlesbrough Should Go All Out To Sign Keiren Westwood Despite Previous Failures
Former Carlisle United, Coventry City and Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has rejected an offer from Middlesbrough to move to the Riverside, though Boro may try again to tempt him in.
Boro, recently relegated from the Premier League and now favourites to win the league after landing the likes of Britt Assombalonga, have failed initially to bring in the Republic of Ireland international but are keen to find a proper replacement for the departed Victor Valdes.
Westwood has been at Sheffield Wednesday now for three years and seems happy to stay there, though Boro will make further offers in the coming days, having also been rebuffed by Karl Darlow of Newcastle United and Sam Johnstone, the Man United ‘keeper who has chosen to join promotion rivals Aston Villa instead.
The top brass at the Owls rejected a £3million bid for the 32-year-old from Boro at the beginning of July before the Riverside club came back with an improved £4.5million offer. This would potentially meet Wednesday’s valuation, though the player himself does not seem terribly keen to move just yet.
Middlesbrough are having no luck at all in signing a new ‘keeper, and although Westwood’s ego may need to be massaged slightly given that he was clearly their third choice in the transfer market. He could potentially be the final piece of the Boro title jigsaw.
The acquisitions of Cyrus Christie, Jonny Howson, Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga have shown the club to be hugely ambitious and not willing to settle for life in the second tier. Add these players to the better existing squad members such as Adam Clayton, Adam Forshaw and Adama Traore, all under the direction of excellent young manager Garry Monk and you have a fine recipe.
The club will clearly go very close to achieving their goals this term IF they get a top Championship ‘keeper to help them do it. On this score, they need Westwood, but this is not all one way. Other clubs, such as Wolves and Derby to name two, may well be improving past Sheffield Wednesday right now. So career wise, it seems Westwood is happy to remain in Championship mediocrity.
Joining Boro would show he has not lost any ambition and could benefit himself, his family and of course, his new club. Wednesday should be happy to receive, what is a sizeable fee and I would not be surprised if they themselves begin to encourage him to leave.