Newcastle United are interested in signing Middlesbrough centre-back Dael Fry but a lot may depend on how Boro finish the season.
The academy graduate has flourished under the stewardship of Chris Wilder, who was appointed back in November to replace Neil Warnock.
The Magpies are one of several Premier League clubs who are monitoring the 24-year-old according to Graeme Bailey at Planet Sport.
As well as local rivals Newcastle looking at the Boro centre-halve, fellow Premier League sides Burnley, Brighton and Wolves have also been credited with an interest in the defender.
However, with Wilder guiding Boro to the FA Cup quarter-finals and still being in contention for a play-off place, any potential move is likely to depend on whether the Teesiders fail to secure promotion back up to the top-flight.
If Wilder replicates what he did at Sheffield United and guides Boro back to the promise land then Fry is likely to see how he fares with his hometown club in his first season in the top-flight.
But if promotion fails to materialise then the Magpies could look to snap up Fry whose current contract expires next summer.
Fry, a towering and physical defender, has made 26 appearances so far this season and his performances in the FA Cup have been crucial in Boro producing back-to-back giant-killings.
Playing against two of best strikers in world football in Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane, Fry helped ensure that neither of the forwards found the back of the net in the last two rounds of the FA Cup.
Although Dan Burn was signed in the January transfer window, further defensive reinforcements will be sought in the summer window.
Dael Fry may not have previously plied his trade in the Premier League, but it could well mean that he is targeted alongside another senior centre-back in the summer market.
But as Newcastle focus on our survival bid, Boro will be looking to secure a play-off spot which could lead to Premier League promotion.
Fry’s short-term focus will be helping Boro achieve promotion, but come the end of the season his potential availability will become a lot clearer.
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