Aston Villa loanee Finn Azaz tapped by Middlesbrough after impressing with Plymouth Argyle - with... (original) (raw)

Aston Villa loanee Finn Azaz tapped by Middlesbrough after impressing with Plymouth Argyle - with head coach Steve Schumacher calling him 'the most intelligent footballer I have ever met'

Published: 10:47 EST, 3 January 2024 | Updated: 11:20 EST, 3 January 2024

Aston Villa midfielder Finn Azaz is in talks over a permanent move to Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old has been excelling on loan at Plymouth Argyle for the past two seasons but Premier League title contenders Villa have the option to recall him amid growing interest in his signature.

Azaz has scored seven goals in the Championship this season and set up another five as he continues to prove his credentials to perform at a higher level.

Southampton and Stoke City, where his former Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher is now in charge, have been credited with interest but it is Michael Carrick's Boro who are leading the pursuit.

Talks are underway with Villa and Boro hoping to agree a fee to the take the Republic of Ireland international to the Riverside Stadium.

Finn Azaz (centre) has impressed at Plymouth Argyle and caught the eye of Michael Carrick

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The two sides face each other in the FA Cup this Saturday but Boro's prime concern is to get their promotion campaign on track as they sit 12th in the Championship, four points off the play off places.

Azaz, who plays as a ten or an eight in midfield, has been described by Schumacher as the 'most intelligent footballer I have ever met' with 'outstanding game knowledge' and Michael Carrick is keen to bring that creative spark to his side for the second half of the season.