Middlesbrough and Watford are expected to step up their pursuit of AFC Bournemouth’s star after the custodian performed a key duty in their Premier League match against Chelsea last night.
The Irishman began in goal for Andoni Iraola’s side yesterday night, since first-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga was unable to face his parent club due to a loan agreement.
However, according to the Irish Mirror, Travers appears to be on his way to his own loan spell, with both of the aforementioned Championship clubs interested.
The Irishman spent last season on loan with Stoke City in the second tier of English football, and he looks ready to return for the second half of this season.
Mark Travers was unable to depart Bournemouth before this week
Given the predicament in the Cherries’ goalkeeping department, neither Middlesbrough nor Watford would have been able to complete a deal before Tuesday’s meeting at Stamford Bridge.
With Arrizabalaga contractually ruled out, Iraola was forced to rely on his second-string Travers, with the inexperienced Will Dennis on the bench, as he had done in the return encounter at the Vitality Stadium in September.
Travers had a terrific showing in Wednesday night’s match, making eight saves. However, he was beaten by a Reece James free kick in stoppage time, resulting in a 2-2 draw with Enzo Maresca’s team.
With Travers’ commitments met, the chasing pack of Boro and the Hornets are expected to resume their pursuit of him.
Middlesbrough has been hit hard by injuries recently, with both Seny Dieng and Sol Brynn sidelined for the foreseeable future, and Michael Carrick’s goalkeeping options are currently limited.
Carrick is said to be a huge fan of the Bournemouth custodian, who has also represented the Republic of Ireland at senior level four times.
Watford FC join Middlesbrough in Mark Travers transfer chase
Despite Middlesbrough’s interest, Watford, led by Tom Cleverley, are also interested.
The Hornets’ Austrian number one, Daniel Bachmann (pictured), has been ruled out for up to three months owing to an ankle injury, leaving Jonathan Bond as the only senior option to fill Bachmann’s shoes at Vicarage Lane.
Cleverley is unlikely to want to rely only on Bond, since the 31-year-old has only made nine appearances this season.
Given that both teams are solidly in the play-off mix at this point, it would not be shocking to see a real tussle for Travers’ services.
Both Middlesbrough and Watford will be vying for one of the top six slots at the conclusion of the season, and with tough competition from as many as five other teams at the moment, guaranteeing the immediate future of their top spot could be critical.
Neither will want to be in a position where they must rely on a backup option for critical games, risking losing key points in the race for a playoff spot.