Middlesbrough FC transfer Q&A: Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher contrat situations discussed plus Stephen Walker position explained

We take a closer look at some of the big questions and talking points from the Riverside:

What’s the latest with Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher’s contracts?

With both players set to see their current deals expire at the end of the season, it’s obvious there will be some uncertainty surrounding the two forwards.

Warnock spoke to both players earlier in the season and it’s thought they were keen to stay at the club.

Both would presumably need to take a wage cut, though, after joining the club for sizable transfer fees in the summer of 2017.

For that reason, negotiations are likely to be less straightforward which may explain why Boro are talking their time.

After spending a sum of £21million on the duo, there will clearly be some unease about the prospect of losing them on a free transfer.

Fans may have divided opinions on Assombalonga, the club’s record signing, but he is still Boro’s top scorer in the Championship with 44 goals, seven ahead of Scott McDonald.

It’s a shame Fletcher picked up a lengthy hamstring injury at the start of the campaign as he and Assombalonga appeared to forming a decent partnership at the end of last season.

Warnock has also said Boro will try to negotiate a new contract for Marvin Johnson, which is likely to be more straightforward given the winger signed a one-year extension in the summer.

As for Fletcher and Assombalonga, if a lucrative offer came in this month the club would have to consider it, yet the preference would surely be for the pair to stay.

Why was Stephen Walker recalled from MK Dons?

The 20-year-old was set to stay at the League One club until the end of the season but returned to Boro this week.

Clearly Boro feel the striker can gain more regular game time elsewhere, as only five of his 12 league appearances this season have been starts.

Despite making seven Championship appearances for Boro last season, it’s unlikely Walker will break into the first team this campaign, with Assombalonga, Chuba Akpom and the returning Fletcher competing for places.

The striker helped Crewe win promotion from League Two last term so it’s likely Boro will be looking to send Walker to League One club where he can play regularly.

What are the chances of anyone leaving this month?

Warnock has said he doesn’t expect any of his key players to leave this month – but obviously you can never say never.

As previously mentioned, if a decent offer came in for Assombalonga, for example, Boro would have to consider it given the striker is near the end of his contract.

Warnock also said last week he may consider a swap deal given that not much money is being spent in the EFL this month.

The club have also considered sending some of their younger players out on loan but that will depend on injuries and signings.

Players like Nathan Wood and Sam Folarin are good examples, ideally they could go and gain first-team experience at a lower league club, yet their departures would leave Boro short of options.

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