Middlesbrough playmaker Lee Tomlin's impressive form last season has prompted two newly-promoted Premier League clubs to show interest in pursuing his signature.
New boys Norwich and Bournemouth are both keen on signing the 26-year old, according to HITC Sport. Tomlin's form helped Middlesbrough reach the play-off final, where they were eventually beaten comfortably by Norwich and now, the winner of that final are aiming to deal another blow to Aitor Karanka's side.
Premier League incentive
Both Norwich and Bournemouth are preparing for life in the top flight as they bid to stay in the Premier League at the first attempt after promotion and the addition of Lee Tomlin would improve either of the sides. The Middesbrough man would be getting his first taste of top-flight football if a deal were to go through, perhaps tempting Tomlin to leave the Championship side.
Middlesbrough could be prepared to allow Tomlin to leave after signing Stewart Downing, Diego Fabbrini and Christian Stuani this summer. There has been no official bid or even a proposed price tag for the former Peterborough man but a move to the Premier League could persuade Tomlin to join either Alex Neil's Norwich side or Eddie Howe's Bournemouth team.
With the forward only joining Middlesbrough in 2014, it's unlikely the club would be willing to let him leave so soon, especially since Tomlin contributed to a promotion bid which almost guided his side into the Premier League. He played 24 times in the league, scoring five times in the process.
Karanka will look to hold on to his man
If Karanka manages to hold on to his player, Tomlin could enjoy top-flight action with his current club as they are favourites to get promoted from the Championship this season. The possibility of a big step forward in the player's career could lure the 26-year old away from the Riverside Stadium, with Bournemouth and Norwich awaiting eagerly.
The popular Tomlin made headlines particularly with his performance in Boro's 2-0 FA Cup win over Manchester City, but some fans have levelled accusations of inconsistency at the player and with Downing and Fabbrini both able to play a similar role, a big-money offer could be enough to tempt Boro to sell.