“Low risk alternative” – Middlesbrough considering move for 24-year-old: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough are interested in strengthening central midfield areas with St Mirren’s Keanu Baccus according to The Telegraph.

Baccus made the move from Western Sydney Wanderers to the Scottish Premiership in the summer, and has been a key player under Stephen Robinson ever since, acclimatising to a new environment and league with ease.

Baccus’ contract at St Mirren runs until the end of next season and, with that in mind, the Buddies will likely be looking to move him on in this transfer window, before his value in the market decreases ahead of the summer.

We gathered the thoughts of a selection of FLW writers to see if they believe Baccus would be a smart addition for Boro, as an alternative to Rotherham United’s Dan Barlaser…

Adam Jones

They may have scored an equal number of league goals this season – but Barlaser has seven assists and Baccus has none so far.

However, the latter did provide an assist in the Scottish League Cup this season and has grabbed the odd assist during his time in Australia.

Already adjusting to life in the UK, it shouldn’t take too long for Baccus to settle in at Boro and he could be an excellent long term signing at 24.

As well as this, you feel he will only get better as he gains more international experience and could be a good alternative to Barlaser.

They should still be pursuing the Rotherham man for as long as they can though – because he has been a real asset at this level and could carry that momentum into the potential start of his life at The Riverside.

The Teesside outfit are certainly in need of a midfielder – and both could fit the bill for them.

Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

Whilst I must confess to having seen very little of Keanu Baccus, this does appear a deal worth doing for Middlesbrough.

With multiple Championship clubs after him, he clearly has talent, and with a price tag of just £350,000, it is a very low risk signing for Boro to make.

It’s a shame that Michael Carrick’s side have not been able to land Barlaser from Rotherham, who you would prefer due to his Championship experience.

However, with that move seemingly off the cards, perhaps Baccus could be a decent, cheap, low risk alternative for Boro to pick up this month.

Quiz: Are these 20 Middlesbrough facts real or fake?

1 of 20

Liam Roberts has played for Chesterfield

True False

Marcus Ally

Baccus has shown great potential to crop up on Championship radars after just half a season of action in the Scottish Premiership.

Another central midfielder is an important addition this month for the depth of the squad at Carrick’s disposal.

Barlaser would be an upgrade on Baccus, but with complications around a deal being done, the Aussie would be an intriguing pick-up.

Boro supporters may have to trust Kieran Scott’s judgment on this one and believe in Carrick to accelerate his transition into life in the Championship.

Time will tell, but Boro should do all they can to bring Barlaser to The Riverside before settling for a target like Baccus.