West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign Middlesbrough centre-back Dael Fry as the club looks to strengthen following their Premier League relegation.
According to SportsBoom, West Ham are now in pole position to secure Fry’s signature and progress is being made toward an agreement between the two parties.
Fry’s current contract with Middlesbrough is set to expire later this month, meaning he could leave the Teesside club without a transfer fee being involved.
Middlesbrough are doing everything they can to convince the defender to remain, urging him to sign a new deal rather than depart as a free agent this summer.
However, the club’s playoff heartbreak this season may make it difficult to persuade Fry that his future lies at the Riverside Stadium.
West Ham are not the only club circling, with Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United also credited with interest in securing the central defender’s services on a free transfer.
Fry has previously been dubbed “outstanding” by Chris Wilder during his time working with the defender, a strong endorsement that highlights his quality at Championship level.
The 26-year-old has been regarded as one of the more reliable defenders in the Championship, with undoubted quality that suggests he could handle top-flight football should the opportunity arise.
West Ham’s summer strategy appears focused on recruiting Championship-proven talent, with the club also reportedly targeting Brazil international Leo Pereira and Swansea City goalscorer Zan Vipotnik.
Landing Fry would serve a dual purpose for West Ham, bolstering their own squad while simultaneously weakening one of their promotion rivals ahead of the new Championship season.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are still licking their wounds after suffering playoff heartache twice in a matter of weeks, compounded further by the controversy surrounding the Southampton spy-gate affair.
Whether Fry ultimately chooses West Ham, remains at Middlesbrough, or opts for another Championship contender entirely remains to be seen as the summer transfer window progresses.