Boro open contract talks with Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom following his scintillating form

SUPER Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom has commenced negotiations with English Championship club Middlesbrough over a new contract following his brilliant performances so far this season that have made the club want to retain his services.

Akpom, 27, a product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, recently returned to action after a seven game absence brought about by injury. His current deal with  Middlesbrough  is set to expire in the summer of 2023 but the club has an option of extending the deal by 12 more months.

Boro's new boss Michael Carrick has now revealed that the club's hierarchy has contacted Akpom for a discussion as regards his future.  Akpom, who was out of favour during the 2021/22 season, has now become one of the most dependable players for Boro, with scintillating performances during the current campaign.

Mr Carrick said: "We've talked already, it's only natural you need to have a plan. It's very early but you get a quick feeling. That's up to me and the club to plan for, the more people play well, the easier it is. "

Since returning from his season-long loan with Paok in Greece, Akpom has scored seven goals in 12 league outings. He still has ambitions of playing for the Super Eagles, five years after he trained with the senior national team in London.