Middlesbrough deal hits the buffers as Neil Warnock highlights transfer challenges ahead of January window

Boro boss Neil Warnock remains hopeful he can make a couple more additions to his squad when the transfer market reopens next month, specifically another wide player who can contribute with goals and assists.

The Teessiders are already assessing their options ahead of the window, yet signing players from overseas will be extremely difficult due to travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were looking at a player abroad and we were going to be monitoring him in the first week of January,” Warnock told TalkSport on Tuesday.

“But I can’t see that happening now. That will have to be on the back burner, which is one of those things.

“I do still want to bring a couple in if I can, and the board are supportive.

“But the trouble is, you’ve got to bring in better than what you’ve got. And I don’t see that many out there better than what I’ve already got for what’s available.

“We play it by ear again and if I get some in I’ll be okay, if not, we just get on with it.”

Warnock also spoke about Boro’s transfer plans during a Fans' Forum meeting this week, revealing that himself and Boro Chief Executive Neil Bausor were planning to go and watch the aforementioned target.

"We did look at a particular player, a very good player, abroad,” said Warnock.

"We have a break between games January 2 and 9, so we were talking about me and Neil going to this particular country and watching him and speaking to him.

"But with the way things are with Covid and travel restrictions, I don't think we should be travelling abroad. It's just too dangerous.

"And there's no way I want to buy a player without watching him in person."

English clubs will also find it harder to sign players from abroad in January as the transition period following Brexit will end.

Premier League and EFL clubs will no longer be able to sign non-UK players under the age of 18, while all players from overseas clubs will have to submit points-based work-permit applications.

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