West Ham to cause Middlesbrough heartbreak as Dael Fry transfer action taken

West Ham United could be the reason for more Middlesbrough pain as the Hammers have identified Dael Fry as a top defensive target.

The Irons are in the market for new defenders, with a multitude of links to players from the second tier in recent weeks.

However, recent developments have emerged about Boro's club captain, who is reportedly a top target for the Irons.

Fry led his hometown side out at Wembley for Middlesbrough's Play-off final defeat to Hull City in May, and after spending his whole career with the club, he may want a change.

It's a deal that suits West Ham, as the centre-back is out of contract at the end of June, and therefore could be coming to the London Stadium as a free agent.

West Ham are in talks for Fry, and it would further weaken a Championship promotion rival in Boro, who are also set to lose Player of the Season winner, Hayden Hackney.

West Ham expect further talks with Dael Fry's agent

Middlesbrough have been in contract discussions with Fry since the start of the year, and there has been no breakthrough for an agreement.

However, local reports on Teesside suggest that the North East club would be surprised if they couldn't agree terms with the 28-year-old.

But with West Ham's interest, the Englishman's head may now be turned, as joining Nuno Espirito Santo's side for a promotion push could tempt hi,

As relayed by Boropolis on X, ExWHUEmployee has inside information that Fry is a top target this summer for the Hammers.

The Irons are said to have already had a round of talks with the player's agent, and further talks are expected this week.

Nuno is expected to have a new-look defence next season, and Fry could headline his backline.

Fry's injury record could worry

Middlesbrough fans love Fry, and would argue that this season was the player's best on an individual level.

At 28, he is now coming into his peak years as a footballer, but has been left sidelined a fair bit over the course of his career.

Fry made his debut at the Riverside Stadium back in 2015, and has been contracted to Boro ever since, but has never once managed to make 40 or more appearances in one season.

That's alarming considering the Hammers will need him for 46 games of a campaign.

Either way, bringing him to E20 would be a steal, and one that Boro fans would not be happy about.