Will Lankshear's prolific start at Middlesbrough has prompted former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara to criticise his old club's decision to sell the striker. Lankshear, who joined Boro for an initial £10m with potential add-ons taking the fee to £20m, has scored 13 goals in his first 13 appearances, firing the club to second in the Championship.

His impact has been immediate and significant. The 21-year-old England Under-21 international has established himself as one of the country's most promising forwards, netting twice in three Carabao Cup outings. Manager Kim Hellberg has integrated him seamlessly into a side that has taken 29 points from 15 games, with a goal difference of +11. Lankshear's form is a key reason Boro sit in the automatic promotion spots, a position they will look to consolidate when they host Bristol City at the Riverside on 21 November.

O'Hara's criticism of Tottenham's decision

Jamie O'Hara did not hold back in his assessment of Tottenham's summer business. He described the sale of Lankshear as a 'nightmare scenario' that has left Spurs with a problem in attack. "We’ve got a problem up front - that’s my concern," O'Hara said. He argued that Lankshear, performing as he is, could have started for Tottenham this season and that selling promising youngsters for pure profit is 'ridiculous' under Financial Fair Play rules. O'Hara also suggested current Spurs striker Dominic Solanke is 'nowhere near good enough' at present.

Lankshear's development and Middlesbrough's form

Middlesbrough's negotiation to remove a buyback clause from the deal now looks particularly shrewd. The club also secured Lankshear on a contract until June 2031. While Tottenham retain a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights on any future bids, they cannot simply bring the striker back for a predetermined fee. Lankshear's value is soaring, with Premier League clubs already monitoring his progress. His goals have propelled Boro through a mixed run of form that includes a goalless draw at Watford last Saturday and a 2-0 defeat at Wrexham the previous Tuesday. The team's fixtures ahead include that key home game against Bristol City, who are currently 17th in the table. Hellberg's side will be aiming to return to winning ways and maintain their push at the top of the standings.

More detail at football.london