It’s Moor the merrier for young keeper

MAX Metcalfe has joined Spennymoor Town on loan for the 2022-23 season.

The talented young goalkeeper will gain invaluable experience during his time at the Brewery Field.

The season-long loan will give the 19-year-old the chance to establish himself and gain firstteam experience in the National League North after making ten appearances for Boro’s under-23s last term.

He is one of many talented young goalkeepers on Boro’s academy books and has been capped at youth level by Scotland.

Goalkeepers Zach Hemming and Sol Brynn have moved to Kilmarnock and Swindon Town respectively to continue their development and aid their push to make it into Boro’s first team this summer.

While Metcalfe is a little behind them in terms of experience, the move to the Durham club, playing in the sixth tier of English football, represents a good opportunity for the young shotstopper.

Speaking after completing the loan move, Metcalfe said: “I wanted to come out this season and get some experience.

“A few weeks ago I heard about the opportunity to come to Spennymoor and I thought ‘that’ll be brilliant.’

I’ve been at Boro since the under-14s and it’s been brilliant but you can’t get the same experience there as playing men’s football because it means a lot more.

“I looked at how well Spennymoor did last season and now I’m hoping I can help the club push on this season and it should be good.

“I’m hoping to have a really good season here, enjoy my football and no doubt experience a lot.

“I just can’t wait to see how it goes.”

BARCELONA have had a fresh offer for Leeds United winger Raphinha turned down by the Yorkshire club.

Reports from Spain say the Catalan side put forward a new proposal which did not meet Leeds’ asking price.

Chelsea have already agreed a deal in the region of £60 million with Leeds for the talented Brazilian, but Raphinha’s firstchoice destination has always remained Barcelona.

His agent Deco has been pictured in the offices at the Camp Nou in each of the last two days as he looks to push his client towards a move to the Spanish giants