Middlesbrough close in on midfield transfer target but are not interested in Liverpool youngster

Tony Pulis revealed in this morning's press conference that Boro are still hopeful of pushing deals over the line before tomorrow's 5pm loan deadline.

The Teessiders have been chasing a new winger ever since the departure of Adama Traore, and the need for reinforcements has become even more urgent after Pulis revealed striker Martin Braithwaite has asked to leave the club.

“We’ve struggled, but we’re looking for pace out wide that can stretch a game, but (we’re looking) all over," said Pulis ahead of tomorrow's top of the table clash with Leeds.

“Hopefully, by the time it’s finished, we’ll have a better squad than we’ve got now. Hopefully the players we’re trying to do will help the squad and the depth."

Saville, predominately a box-to-box midfielder, has been on Boro's radar for a while, after the Teessider's saw a permanent bid rejected by Millwall for the 25-year-old on deadline day.

But, reports suggest Pulis is close to adding the versatile operator to his squad, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

Boro are also thought to be interested in Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon, 32, who played under Pulis when the pair were both at Selhurst Park.

Puncheon hasn't featured for Palace in the Premier League this season, and Eagles manager Roy Hodgson has told the player he will be allowed to leave on loan.

“I can’t say they’re the players I originally wanted," added Pulis. "But I’ve been in football a long time and sometimes you don’t get the players you want.

"If we get the players we’re trying to, then they’re good players.

"Looking from the outside you will be able to see that, yes, we do need to bring people in. And as we are talking, there’s things going on.”

One player Boro won't be pursuing is Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo, who has been linked with a move to Teesside throughout the summer.

The 21-year-old helped Fulham win promotion from the Championship during a loan spell at Craven Cottage last campaign, but the player has recently signed a new contract at Liverpool and is expected to join French side Stade de Reims on a season-long loan.