Chelsea and Arsenal among clubs linked with Boro teenager

Chelsea and Arsenal are among clubs being linked with Middlesbrough youngster Calum Kavanagh.

Kavanagh, who is just 16, is a Republic of Ireland Under-17 international and his performances for Boro at youth level appear to have attracted interest from a number of clubs.

He stepped up to the Under-18s this season and impressed before the coronavirus epidemic led to matches being suspended.

The Sun say the Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leicester have been showing an interest in Kavanagh.

Dublin’s Evening Herald reckon Celtic are also keen on the youngster, who cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17.

Boro are keen to cement his long-term future at the Riverside Stadium by giving him a new deal.

But The Sun suggest that the Championship club have so far not agreed the deal and that has prompted top-flight clubs to circle.

The newspaper say Chelsea and Arsenal are both “making plans” to move for Kavanagh at the end of the season.

He is the son of former Republic of Ireland international Graham Kavanagh, whose playing career included a spells at Middlesbrough and Stoke City.

The youngster was born in England but qualifies to play for Ireland as his father is from Dublin.