Rob Edwards will keep choosing the defender as long as he plays for Middlesbrough, despite FEYENOORD's impending fresh pursuit of Rav van den Berg.
Earlier this week, Boro turned down two different offers from Feyenoord for van den Berg; the most lucrative of these is thought to have included a package worth about €10 million.
The 21-year-old, who recently led the Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championships, is valued at more than that, according to the Teessiders.
Feyenoord's need for a new defender has grown after Atletico Madrid reached an agreement to buy David Hancko, thus it is anticipated that they will get in touch with Boro officials again in the coming days.
Last weekend, Hancko appeared to be joining Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, but the deal fell through, so Feyenoord had to keep pursuing van den Berg.
However, Atletico saw an opening and acted quickly to recruit Hancko, which led to a quick agreement with Feyenoord authorities.
Slovakian international Hancko is expected to pay about €30 million to join Atletico, and Feyenoord is eager to use some of that money to sign van den Berg.
Although Boro is aware that the Dutch defender has a good chance of leaving this summer, they are determined that they will not let him go unless their asking price is satisfied. Edwards will keep using van den Berg in Boro's friendly matches until that time.
Unless circumstances change over the next few days, the young player will also be included in the squad that travels to Ibrox for Saturday's friendly match against Rangers. He started last night's 2-0 loss to Bradford City at Valley Parade as part of a three-man backline.
Edwards remarked, "Playing him [at Bradford] was an easy decision." He is present, has a positive attitude, and is content to stay here until I hear otherwise or he tells me otherwise.
Yesterday, we had a great talk. He expressed his desire to play for Middlesbrough in this match.
Alfie Jones is expected to complete his transfer from Hull City, putting Boro in position to make their first summer acquisition.
Although Boro's initial upfront payment is reportedly much less than that amount, the defender is moving to the Riverside in a deal valued at about £3 million.
Edwards responded, "He's a player I admire, but there are many players we've been linked with who I admire," when asked explicitly about Boro's interest in Jones.
He currently plays for Hull City, so I don't want to give away too much. However, he is an extremely talented player.
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