MIDDLESBROUGH manager Chris Wilder hopes to see Marcus Tavernier in a Boro shirt by the start of the season after Premier League duo Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have firmed up their interest in recent weeks. 

Forest officials have made a formal inquiry for Tavernier, and are willing to pay around £10m for Tavernier as they look to strengthen ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Bournemouth held similar discussions earlier in the summer, and are also understood to value Tavernier at around £10m.

However, the club remain determined to hold onto one of their major assets as they look to make a push for promotion this season. However, there was some level headedness from the Boro boss after he was quizzed about Tavernier’s future following their 3-0 friendly win over Morecambe. 

“I don’t want to lose arguably one of our top players but understanding other bits about the game and the attraction of the Premier League" said Wilder. "As you have seen tonight, Tav has took it in his stride. I thought his performance and his goal was excellent, he’s a major player for us. I don’t know what is around the corner but he’s a good player. But obviously I want him to be a good player in a red shirt.

“He understands my philosophy and mentality. I think all of the players understand my philosophy and where I come from and how I want it to look. What demands I put on my players and he is one of them who had an outstanding season last year. He’s come back and hit the ground running, his attitude is great and he is a proper player. He is a player that just gets on with it and I’m delighted that he is with us.”

Yesterday was a busy day for Boro on the transfer front as Djed Spence’s long awaited move to Spurs was finally confirmed with the club expected to receive a cash windfall of around £15 million. Meanwhile, Zack Steffen completed his loan move from Manchester City and watched his new team mates from the stands at the Mazuma Stadium.