Middlesbrough are reportedly confident of keeping Will Lankshear in January, despite Newcastle United and Leeds United showing an interest in the former Tottenham Hotspur striker.The 21-year-old has made an outstanding start to life at the Riverside Stadium, scoring 15 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions since his summer move from Spurs.His form has attracted attention from Premier League clubs, with Newcastle and Leeds both linked with a January move. However, Middlesbrough are determined to keep Lankshear as they push for promotion.Lankshear’s performances were recognised on Friday when he was named the Championship Player of the Month for October, having scored seven goals in five league appearances. Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg also won the Manager of the Month award.(Credit @thefrederikkejensen / Instagram)Middlesbrough confident of keeping Will Lankshear in JanuaryAccording to Football Insider, Middlesbrough are under no pressure to sell Lankshear and believe they can keep him beyond the January transfer window.The report claims that Newcastle are monitoring the former Tottenham academy graduate, while Leeds have also shown an interest as they look to strengthen their attacking options.However, Boro are not planning to cash in midway through the campaign, and Lankshear is said to be happy at the club. His goals have made him an important part of Hellberg’s side as they attempt to secure promotion to the Premier League.Former Tottenham and Manchester United scout Mick Brown believes another move in January would be premature for Lankshear, arguing that regular Championship football has been vital to his development.Brown told Football Insider: “Will Lankshear’s best option would be to stay doing what he’s doing with Middlesbrough.” He added that there is no guarantee the striker would immediately reproduce his Championship form in the Premier League.Lankshear has recently missed Middlesbrough’s matches against Wrexham and Watford because of a hamstring problem, with Boro failing to score in either game. His absence has provided another reminder of how important he has become to their attack.W. LankshearMiddlesbrough – League Cup (2026 – 2027), Middlesbrough – Championship (2026 – 2027)Appearances16Minutes Played1169Average Rating7.22Shots42Shots on Target28Goals15Assists0Yellow Cards3Red Cards0Penalties Scored0Stats correct as of 14 November 2026.Image credit: @myho_0218 / InstagramTottenham retain matching rights but have no fixed-price buy-back optionLankshear’s prolific form has inevitably raised questions about Tottenham’s decision to sell him, particularly with Roberto De Zerbi’s side struggling for goals in the Premier League.Spurs did protect themselves to an extent when agreeing his departure. According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham retained matching rights and a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the deal.The matching-rights provision gives Tottenham an opportunity to match an offer accepted by Middlesbrough from another club. However, it is not the same as a fixed-price buy-back clause, which would allow Spurs to re-sign Lankshear for a previously agreed fee.That distinction could become increasingly important if the striker continues scoring. Lankshear is reportedly valued at around £30m by Middlesbrough, considerably more than the initial £10m Tottenham received when he left in July.Spurs could benefit financially if Middlesbrough eventually sell the forward to another club, depending on the terms of their sell-on agreement. However, neither the sell-on clause nor their matching rights guarantees that Tottenham could bring him back at a discounted price.SpursWeb’s view: Was selling Will Lankshear really Tottenham’s mistake?It is understandable that some Spurs fans are frustrated when they see Lankshear scoring regularly while Tottenham’s own forwards struggle in front of goal. However, there is another side to the argument that is worth considering.Lankshear needed regular senior football to continue his development, and Tottenham could not guarantee him that opportunity. Middlesbrough have given him the platform to establish himself as a first-team striker, and he has responded with goals.There is also no guarantee that he would have produced the same numbers in the Premier League. The Championship has given Lankshear the chance to learn his trade, build confidence and play consistently, which may not have happened had he remained behind more established forwards at Spurs.Where Tottenham may have reason for regret is in the terms of the sale. Their matching rights and sell-on clause offer some protection, but a conventional buy-back option would have given the club more certainty over the cost of bringing Lankshear back.If the striker continues improving and attracts serious Premier League offers, Spurs may eventually face the uncomfortable prospect of paying considerably more than they received for a player developed in their own academy.For now, staying at Middlesbrough appears a sensible option for Lankshear, particularly with promotion still to play for. Tottenham will be watching his progress closely, but his success at Boro does not automatically mean selling him was the wrong football decision.READ MORE: Will Lankshear sends emotional Tottenham farewell after £20m Middlesbrough moveThe post Middlesbrough make January Will Lankshear stance clear amid Tottenham transfer regret appeared first on Spurs Web.