Boro's ‘slap in the face offer’ for Columbus star Max is example

EVERTON legend Tim Howard described Middlesbrough's offer for wing-back Max Arsten as a ‘slap in the face’ in a rant about USA players being lowballed.

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Boro made Max Arfsten their top target to fill their left wing-back role this summer. However, Columbus Crew knocked back their opening offer worth around £2.25 million, with French Ligue 1 side Toulouse also interested in the 24-year-old.

Arfsten is believed to be keen on the Boro move, but Columbus have made clear they don't wish to sell this summer and are yet to soften that stance with two weeks remaining in the British summer transfer window. As such, while not completely giving up on Arfsten, Boro have started to explore other options as they're conscious of needing someone for the position by September 1.