Middlesbrough FC news and transfer rumours: Liverpool defender set to stay as Neil Warnock's impact is highlighted

Boro missed out on several targets during the summer transfer window and have one of the smallest squads in the division, despite their promising start to the campaign.

Warnock has said he may consider trying to sign another centre-back after Grant Hall suffered a thigh injury in November.

When asked about potential signings earlier this month, Warnock said: “I was talking to one top Premier League club over the summer about one of their players.

“The player I was looking at ended up playing in the Champions League two weeks later, so I bet he’s glad he didn’t come with me!”

It’s since been reported by the Sun that Boro were tracking Liverpool defender Rhys Williams, who could have moved to the Championship on loan.

Injuries at Anfield have changed Williams’ situation, though, and it seems Reds boss Jurgen Klopp won’t allow the teenager to leave Merseyside in January.

Warnock shouldn’t be underestimated

Back at Boro, Warnock earned more praise over the weekend.

The Teessiders narrowly avoided relegation last season but are competing at the opposite end of the table this campaign.

While appearing as a pundit on the EFL’s highlights show on Quest, former Lincoln and Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley was asked about Boro’s win at Birmingham and the impact Warnock is making.

“You can’t underestimate the job Neil Warnock’s done at Middlesbrough, pretty much with the same group of players,” said Cowley.

“Any manager that stands the test of time like Neil Warnock has, certainly deserve my respect”

Boro links in Sam Allardyce’s coaching staff

Finally, new West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has put together his coaching team following his appointment at the Hawthorns last week – which includes some ex-Boro players.

Former defender Robbie Stockdale, who came through the ranks at Boro, has been named West Brom’s first-team coach after working with Allardyce at Sunderland.

Another Boro academy graduate, James Morrison, will also join the Baggies’ coaching staff, while Gary Walsh, a Boro keeper in the 90s, will remain West Brom’s goalkeeper coach.

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