Middlesbrough FC transfer news: Latest Kieffer Moore reports plus Steven Gerrard's Jordan Jones response

The new Championship season will kick-off in less than six weeks’ time, yet the Teessiders’ squad is still alarmingly thin. Neil Warnock is well aware of the situation, though, and is working hard to do something about it.

The 71-year-old was officially announced as Boro’s manager for the 2019/20 season last week after previously holding discussions with the club’s recruitment team.

Chairman Steve Gibson said Warnock had barely been off the phone to discuss transfer targets and plans for the new campaign.

Yet the Boro boss isn’t prepared to wait for delayed responses, and gave a frank answer when asked about potential incomings by BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I think next week, from Monday onwards, I’m going to start putting pressure on people and if they don’t want to come I’ll leave alone,” said Warnock last week.

Monday has now arrived and Boro have added experienced centre-back Grant Hall to their ranks - a free transfer after the 28-year-old’s contract at QPR expired.

Several others have been linked with a move to Teesside in the last few days, yet negotiations appear to have stalled on some fronts.

Boro seemed very keen on towering Wigan frontman Kieffer Moore, 27, following the Latics’ relegation to League One, yet competition and costs could provide a stumbling block.

Stoke, Derby, Preston, Millwall and Cardiff have also been linked with Moore and, according to Wales Online, the latter are winning the race to sign him.

Moore is said to be valued at around £2.5million and is pushing for a place in Wales’ European Championships squad next summer.

At the other end of the pitch, Boro will still be looking to bolster their defensive options.

Another name which has been mentioned is Northampton centre-back Charlie Goode, with Blackburn, QPR, Boro and Sunderland all reportedly interested.

Northampton are prepared to let the player leave but are thought to want around £1million for the 24-year-old following their promotion to League One.

Hall’s arrival may alter Boro’s interest, yet the Teessiders are still in the market for at least one more centre-back.

There has also been speculation surrounding Teesside-born winger Jordan Jones, who has fallen down the pecking order at Rangers.

The 25-year-old Boro academy product left the Teessiders in 2016 before impressing for Scotish side Kilmarnock.

Reports in January suggested Boro were interested in re-signing Jones on loan, yet it’s believed he wasn’t on the club’s radar.

Yet speculation has increased again over the last few days, with several Championship clubs said to be interested.

When asked about Jones following Rangers’ 1-0 win over Aberdeen on Saturday, manager Steven Gerrard kept the door open for all eventualities.

“I am looking to strengthen in the forward area, but in terms of Jordan he has come back, trained hard and been focused,” said Gerrard.

“I don’t know where that noise has come from, but it certainly hasn’t come from our side. Jordan just needs to keep his head down and keep on working hard. What will be, will be.”

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