Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock quizzed on reported Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff target

Boro are one of several clubs, along with Cardiff, Millwall, Nottingham Forest and Celtic, who have been credited with interest in Wyke.

The striker, who has scored 30 goals in all competitions for Sunderland this season, will be out of contract this summer.

Warnock said last week he wants to sign three new strikers ahead of next season, with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher set to leave the Riverside.

The Boro boss also said the Teessiders have been looking at players in League One and League Two, as well as targets abroad.

When asked by the Mail if Wyke is the type of player he’s looking for, Warnock replied: “As if I’m going to say yes to that.

"I’m hoping to watch Sunderland in the play-offs if I’m honest so you can speculate if I’m watching them I must be looking at him. But it might not be him I’m looking at."

When asked about Wyke’s contract situation last month, Sunderland boss Lee Johnson said contract talks would be dealt with by sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

"Of course I'd love to work with Charlie Wyke next season, but whether that's possible or not I haven't got all the answers for you,” admitted Johnson.

"At the same time, what Charlie has got is a coach who trusts and believes in him, and with the coaching staff and his team-mates, have got him into a position where he's currently second top scorer with lots of different types of goals.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor