Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks with Middlesbrough over the permanent departure of academy striker Will Lankshear.
Spurs are now negotiating with the Championship club after receiving several approaches for the 21-year-old this summer.
Alasdair Gold reports that Middlesbrough are pushing to sign Lankshear permanently. No transfer fee or agreement over personal terms has yet been reported.
The latest talks represent a significant change in the striker’s position at Tottenham. Spurs rejected three approaches for Lankshear earlier this month, but were prepared to consider a suitable permanent offer.
Tottenham consider permanent Lankshear exit
Lankshear returned to north London after an encouraging season-long loan with Oxford United.
He scored 12 goals and provided four assists across the campaign, winning Oxford’s Golden Boot and Young Player of the Year awards despite the club’s relegation.
The forward joined Tottenham’s academy from Sheffield United in 2022. He later became the Premier League 2 Player of the Season after helping Spurs win the competition in 2023/24.
Lankshear has since made six senior appearances for Tottenham. His first competitive goal arrived during a Europa League match against Galatasaray in November 2024.
A permanent departure would continue Tottenham’s efforts to generate funds from their academy. Spurs have already secured up to £8million and future clauses from Tynan Thompson’s move to Manchester United.
Middlesbrough can offer Lankshear an opportunity to continue playing regularly in the Championship. His performances for Oxford proved he can contribute at that level, even within a struggling side.
Tottenham must now decide whether Middlesbrough’s proposal reflects the striker’s long-term potential. Any agreement could also include a sell-on clause or matching rights to protect Spurs if his value rises.
Talks are advanced, but the transfer has not yet been completed.
