Doughty's first pick was never really in doubt

DEN DREAM MOVE FOR LIONS FAN

- By CRAIG JOHNS

A KEY detail has emerged after Championship star Alfie Doughty joined Championship rivals Millwall, despite Middlesbrough's interest.

Boro being linked with Doughty after the arrival of Rob Edwards was almost inevitable, but The Gazette was told at the time there was actually more substance to it than might be expected of such a link. Doughty was a player admired by Boro officials long before Edwards' appointment this summer.

At the time, Boro weren't certain how financially viable a move for Doughty would be with the player only 12 months into a new contract at Kenilworth Road, and no apparent need to sell despite the Hatters' relegation to League One. Matt Bloomfield’s side will still be in receipt of parachute payments next term.

Despite that, Boro planned to monitor the Doughty situation, with Edwards understandably keen to reunite with the 25-year-old on Tees-side after he proved himself a key player for the now-Boro boss during Luton’s promotion-winning and Premier League campaigns.