Tottenham clause may prove key after Will Lankshear masterclass
Will Lankshear added another two goals to his tally as Middlesbrough smashed Bolton Wanderers 5-1 on Friday.
The 21-year-old left Tottenham in the summer, joining the Championship club in a deal worth a potential £20million if all of the bonuses are met.
The England youth international was superb at the youth level for the Lilywhites and had scored his first senior goal, but decision-makers were keen to cash in.
That decision has appeared to age poorly, with Lankshear having already netted 13 goals in just 15 games across all competitions since leaving Tottenham.
The North London club did not insert a buy-back clause in the deal but will bank a percentage of any future profit from a sale and also have a matching rights clause, allowing them to match any deal accepted.
Lankshear's situation has similarities to the sale of Troy Parrott, who thrived in the Netherlands after leaving Tottenham for just £6.75m and is now playing Champions League football for Real Betis.
Will Lankshear on fire at Middlesbrough
Lankshear has been dubbed the 'Championship Erling Haaland' amid his stunning run of goals for Middlesbrough.
The youngster has netted in each of his last four Championship games, and is leading Boro's hopes of finally securing promotion back to the Premier League.
His goals on Friday sent his team to the top, with both the type of goals that are earned by a striker's good movement.
And there was more to Lankshear's performance, too. The 21-year-old took six shots in total and created a chance, proving a constant threat.
The striker won two free-kicks - the joint-most of anybody else - and won two duels, taking six touches in the opposition box.
Like any good striker, Lankshear's goals mattered most. Yet the forward is proving that he has even more strings to his bow.
What Lankshear said about leaving Tottenham
Tottenham have faced criticism over the decision to allow Lankshear to leave the club in the summer.
The forward excelled at Oxford United last season and could well have made an impact for the Lilywhites this season, especially given their struggle for goals.
"After four incredible seasons at Tottenham, my time has come to an end," Lankshear wrote on Instagram after his exit was confirmed.
"I'd like to thank all the staff, players and fans for making my time so enjoyable and helping me along the journey. Tottenham will always be engraved in my heart."