Samuel stay could be hit by Italian interest

LEFT BACK HAS SHONE FOR THE BORO THIS YEAR

- By CRAIG JOHNS

FORMER Chelsea boss Antonio Conte could deliver a blow to Middlesbrough's summer transfer hopes, with reports in Italy suggesting he is keen to bring Samuel Iling-Junior to Napoli.

The Aston Villa loanee has recently settled into the left-back role at Boro, since which he's impressed and cemented his place in Michael Carrick's side.

A problem area for Boro over the last two seasons, Iling-Junior has proven the best fit for the role since Ryan Giles' first loan spell came to an end.

And with that in mind, there have been discussions at Boro about potentially extending his loan deal at the Riverside, which currently comes to an end when this season is completed.

As things stand, it's understood Boro would have interest in securing another loan for next term, with the 21-year-old unlikely to be part of Villa's plans next season.