Championship Middlesbrough reportedly want Adam Armstrong loan

The West Denton-born forward had a difficult first season at St Mary’s, scoring just twice across 28 appearances in all competitions.

The Teeside club are set to complete a deal for Blackburn Rovers ace Darragh Lenihan, who was a teammate of Armstrong at the Lancashire outfit.

And 90min report they would like to reinforce the squad further with the 25-year-old, who scored 28 goals in 40 Championship appearances during 2020-21, on a loan basis.

Ralph on Adam Armstrong. #SaintsFC

💬 "We have some players who deserve to get a chance to play now, to show they can do it. This is the reason I wanted to give them a chance.

"Arma was unlucky with the offside, he showed that he can score the goal. He had a few good moments." pic.twitter.com/CmJvyqXJ20

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) May 8, 2022

Ralph Hasenhuttl used Armstrong sparingly following the turn of 2022, with the £15million summer signing only making three starts since January.

But, as exhibited with the likes of Che Adams, the Austrian will give his Danny Ings replacement the chance to adapt and develop to the Premier League.

A move to Middlesbrough would be a move closer to home for Armstrong, and back to a league in which he has scored 56 goals across his career.

Last month, Hasenhuttl admitted the striker was frustrated with his role – but that it is nothing to be surprised by.

“I have a feeling that nobody is happy when you are not playing, this is normal - nobody should be happy when he is not playing,” he told the Daily Echo.

“He should be looking to come into the team as quick as possible because everyone wants to play, and it is up to me to find the right players to do so.

“I think the first year for a Championship striker, coming from there, in the Premier League is always a tough one.”

Stranger things have happened, but it would be incredibly surprising if Saints were to entertain an offer for one of only two senior strikers on their books.

Armando Broja’s return looks unlikely, while Shane Long is likely to depart St Mary’s at the end of his contract this month.

Armstrong’s pair of goals in the first-half of the season, away at Everton on the opening day and during the 1-0 win over Aston Villa, showed a striking instinct well worth working on.

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