Middlesbrough FC news: Nottingham Forest transfer blow, striker boost plus youngsters prepare for Norwich City clash

We round up some of the latest Boro-related news stories ahead of this weekend’s match.

Forest transfer blow

Saturday’s opponents thought they had completed the loan signing of Kamil Grosicki from West Brom on transfer deadline day.

Forest believed they filed the relevant paperwork before the 5pm deadline on October 16, but the EFL rejected the transfer saying it wasn't completed in time.

The case was referred to the Independent Arbitration Panel, yet an EFL statement on Thursday confirmed the transfer has been blocked.

Grosicki has since been registered in West Brom's 25-man Premier League squad.

Walker reacts to first MK Dons goal

Boro striker Stephen Walker scored his first goal for loan club MK Dons on Tuesday night.

The Dons beat Wigan 2-0 at Stadium MK, with Walker netting the second goal for Russell Martin’s side following a Scott Fraser penalty.

“I feel I’ve matured in my game and how I am every day,” Walker told the MK Dons website.

“With Russ, he understands I'm young and he put his arm around me and put his faith in me which has given me the confidence to go out there and play - he's the perfect manager to have and I can talk to him about anything.

“He was the main reason I wanted to come back. Russ was a player when I was here, and we'd sit together in the dressing room and he was on to me every day trying to help me improve.”

Under-23s could go top

Finally, Boro’s under-23 side will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season when they travel to Norwich on Friday (1pm kick-off).

Graeme Lee’s team beat Burnley 3-0 last weekend after goals from captain Daniel Dodds, Isaac Fletcher and Cain Sykes.

The result moved Boro up to second in Premier League 2, Division 2, just two points behind leaders Norwich.

Boro also have a game in hand on the Canaries, who were beaten 2-0 by a strong Leeds side last time out.

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